THERE have been a few games this season that could have been seen as being crucial to Albury-Wodonga’s chances in this year’s Southern Inland Rugby Union competition.
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But coach Don Cameron says today’s final round clash against Waratahs at Conolly Rugby Complex at Wagga is the most important.
“We haven’t beaten Waratahs since about 2002,” Cameron said.
“However we are in a position to win this match; form would suggest we are a very good chance to win the game.
“It is a matter of self-belief and continuing the really excellent form we have had over the past few weeks.”
But Cameron said the Waratahs’ scrum looms as an obstacle to his team’s chances.
“When we played them in the first round they got into our scrum,” he said.
“That was the last time we played them and they scored 43 points against us, although they only defeated us by seven points.
“But it was the first match of the season and a lot of our players hadn’t played with each other before and our defence has tightened up a lot since then.”
Cameron said there would be plenty of physicality in the contest.
“Matches between Waratahs and us always have that little extra bit of sting in them,” he said.
“Traditionally we have been two sides that have really enjoyed getting a win up against the other and they have always been tough and willing contests.
“If we can beat Waratahs convincingly then I think the other sides in the finals will have a high level of concern about us.
“Whoever wins this match is going to be a firm favourite to take out the premiership I would think.”
Cameron has been confident of his team’s chances all season.
He predicted his team would defeat Griffith in the previous round by 20 points and that is exactly what happened.
He has made another big statement for this clash, not out of cockiness but out of a belief in his players, a self-belief he says is so important for them to have also.
“I think we will beat Waratahs and in a better fashion than people think,” he said.
“And that includes winning a bonus point.”
All of the Steamers will need to stand up today but the performances of the three players who form the front row, Dan Hogg, Adrian Carey and Adam Nixon, could be the biggest factor in the result.
Early momentum will be important and while many will see the Steamers as underdogs not many would be prepared to deny the Border team is a big chance for an upset.
