Competition in the Shute Shield hots up this week, thanks to the injection of nine FxPro Super Rugby players who return to club duty. Round eight is a vital week for the top four sides, with only three points separating Southern Districts, Eastwood, Eastern Suburbs and Manly on the competition ladder.
The return of HSBC Waratahs hooker Josh Mann-Rae (Manly) and wing Ateleni Pakalani (Southern Districts) from South Africa will boost their club sides, as both look to cement an all-important top-six position ahead of next week's bye.
Manly suffered the first defeat of the season to Eastern Suburbs last round to slip to fourth spot. The Marlins will face Eastwood this weekend for the ABC TV game of the day at Manly Oval and will be boosted by Mann-Rae who will start at prop, adding to a forward pack that already boasts the likes of HSBC Waratahs Greg Peterson and Tevita Metuisela.
Lining up against them, the return of their captain Hugh Perrett from the Melbourne Rebels will bolster second place Eastwood's efforts though, as will the presence of Western Force No 8 Locky McCaffery who will pack down next to his younger brother Miles, making for a deadly back row combination.
Southern Districts will go from strength to strength as Pakalani makes his return on the wing this week after some impressive performances in state colours, while Western Force prop Tetera Faulkner will provide some assistance up front. An impressive bonus point performance over Northern Suburbs propelled the Rebels to top spot last weekend and eleventh-placed Penrith will not only have the tough task of containing Pakalani, they will also be threatened by fellow HSBC Waratahs Grayson Hart and Brackin Karauria-Henry who have played key roles in their side's rise to the top of the ladder.
Other FxPro Super Rugby players making a return to club rugby this week include Western Force fly half Dave Harvey who will play his first game for Northern Suburbs against his old club side Gordon. Western Force halfback Josh Holmes will play for Warringah this against Sydney University at Sydney University Oval No.1, while Force centre Patrick Dellit will bolster Eastern Suburbs in the midfield when they take on Randwick at Coogee Oval.
Other round eight matches will see the high flying Parramatta take on West Harbour at Concord Oval. The Two Blues put on one of their best performances of the season which saw their outside backs tear up Gordon's defensive line, with centre Iese Leota picking up a hat trick of tries.
As usual, you can catch all the Shute Shield action on ABC 1 from 3pm every Saturday afternoon in NSW and the ACT. For interstate viewers, tune in at 4am on Tuesday mornings nationally on ABC 1 for the replay or alternatively you can catch up on ABC Iview.
In a new addition to viewing rugby in 2012, Club Rugby TV provides rugby viewers with the option to watch two full Shute Shield games in HD quality each week including commentary, highlights and interviews. For $35 a season, Shute Shield rugby fans have the added choice to catch up on all of the weekends' action. Club Rugby TV allows you to watch the rugby on your computer, Iphone, Ipad and IPTV all in full HD.
Alternatively, follow the Shute Shield on Twitter via
@shuteshield or
@abcshuteshield where you can send your thoughts through the week and receive live updates during games.
MANLY (4) v EASTWOOD (2) at Manly Oval (ABC TV game, 3pm)
Manly makes three changes to the side that lost to Eastern Suburbs last week with Chris Cottee making his return to halfback after injury, HSBC Waratah Josh Mann-Rae at prop and Western Force A player Ryan Hodson at flanker. Eastwood make three changes with Hugh Perrett coming in at flanker, Locky McCaffrey into No.8 and Barry Fa'amausili starting at prop after playing second grade last week.
Manly: 1. Dane Maraki, 2. Josh Mann Rae, 3. James Hilterbrand; 4. Ryan Melrose, 5. Greg Peterson; 6. Ryan Hodson, 7. Jordy Reid, 8. Tevita Metuisela[c]; 9. Chris Cottee, 10. Cam Pyne; 11. Richard Hooper, 12. Alex Miles, 13. Brian Sefanaia, 14. Sione Ala; 15. Jacob Woodhouse.
Eastwood: 1. Marty Plokstys, 2. Chris Hill, 3. Barry Fa'amausili; 4. Mitch Lees, 5. Tom Alexander; 6. Hugh Perrett, 7. Miles McCaffrey, 8. Locky McCaffrey; 9. Mick Snowden, 10. Barney Wood; 11. Mark Frost, 12. Sione Piukala, 13. Michael McDougall, 14. Nick Batger; 15. Ben Batger.
Referee: Rohan Hoffman
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS (1) v PENRITH (11) at Forshaw Rugby Park (3pm)
Southern Districts make two changes to the side that beat Northern Suburbs last week with HSBC Waratah Ateieli Pakalani slotting into wing, while Force prop Tetera Faulkner makes his first appearance for the club in 2012. Penrith name an unchanged side to the one that lost to Sydney University last week.
Southern Districts: 1. Tetera Faulkner, 2. Andrew Sulter, 3. Tim Metcher; 4. Andrew Leota, 5 Andrew Archibald; 6. Sam Latunipulu, 7. Sean Doyle[c], 8. Matt Swann; 9 Grayson Hart, 10. Rohan Saifolio; 11. Ben Connolly, 12. Lester Salanoa, 13. Alex Gibbon, 14. Ateieli Pakalani; 15. Brackin Karauria-Henry.
Penrith: 1. Faitotoa Asa, 2. Keiren Straker, 3. Richard Aho[c]; 4.Tyrone Emelio, 5.Kornelio Burgess; 6. Junior Taavili, 7. Cohen Masson, 8. Jason Peseta; 9. Solomona Silipa, 10. Fokolulu Taumalolo; 11. Tala Mapesone, 12. Fred Tuua, 13. Mark Murray, 14. Wilson Silipa; 15. Chris Aunise-Scalan.
Referee: Daniel Cheever
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY (5) v WARRINGAH (7) at University Oval No.1 (3pm)
The Students make one change to the side that beat Penrith last week with fullback Stuart Dunbar returning to the side. Warringah make two changes with Force halfback Josh Holmes coming into the side while hooker David Mason returns to first grade after playing second grade last week.
Sydney University: 1.Sam Talakai, 2. James Riches, 3. Pieter Van der Merwe; 4. Oliver Atkins, 5. Tom Heslop; 6. Liam Winton, 7. David Hickey, 8. Trent Dyer; 9. Matt Schwager[c], 10. Daniel Kelly; 11. Nathan Trist, 12. James McMahon, 13. Michael Hodge, 14. Willie Du Plessis; 15. Stuart Dunbar.
Warringah: 1. Wayne Borsak, 2. David Mason, 3. Ray Brown; 4.Ben Adams[c] 5. Vincent Wright; 6. Sam Ward, 7. Mark Porpiglia, 8 Jack Tomkins; 9. Joshua Holmes, 10. Hamish Angus; 11. Elliot Foils 12. Michael Adams, 13. Edward Doyle, 14. Michael Dalton; 15. David Feltscheer.
Referee: Richard Goswell
NORTHERN SUBURBS (8) v GORDON (9) at North Sydney Oval (Club Rugby TV, 3pm)
Northern Suburbs make three changes to the side that lost to Southern Distrcits last round with the Western Force's Dave Harvey starting at flyhalf and prop James Smith and hooker Scott Podmore come into the first grade side. Gordon make three changes to the side that lost to Parramatta last round. Centre Tom Hill returns after injury, while Terry Burnett comes into halfback and Sebastian Murphy slots into No.8 replacing the injured Luke Rissman.
Northern Suburbs: 1. James Smith, 2.Scott Podmore, 3. Nick Lah; 4 Rory Walton, 5. Ben Matwijow; 6. Jordan Smiler, 7. Will Brame, 8. AJ Gilbert [c]; 9. Liam Walker, 10. Dave Harvey; 11. Corey Brown, 12. Chris Tuatara, 13. Lachlan Porteous, 14. Bill Meaks; 15. Haydn Wolfsbauer.
Gordon: 1. Aritema Ralulu, 2. Ron Hobden, 3. Tobias Gukibau[c]; 4. Roni Scarano, 5. Mark Johnson; 6. Mark Williams, 7. Mitch Greenway, 8. Sebastian Murphy; 9. Terry Preston, 10. Erik Moss; 11. Eric Maroni, 12. Tom Hill, 13. Tom Matthews, 14. Lachlan Mitchell; 15. Chris Burnett.
Referee: James Leckie
RANDWICK (12) v EASTERN SUBURBS (3) at Coogee Oval (Club Rugby TV, 3pm)
Randwick make three changes to the side that lost to Warringah last week with Stephen Noriega in at prop, Clinton Sills on the wing and Hugh Somerville coming into the centre position. Eastern Suburbs make only one change to the side that beat Manly last round with the Western Force's Patrick Dellit starting at centre.
Randwick: 1. Steven Noriega, 2. Nio Halangahu, 3 Patricio Noriega; 4. Geoff Ingram, 5.Tom Weatherall; 6. Tom Connor, 7. David Vizer, 8. Tim McGann; 9. James Helliwell, 10. Toby Browne; 11. Apaola Tea, 12. Peter Falealeniu, 13. Hugh Somerville, 14. Clinton Sills; 15. Ethan Ford.
Eastern Suburbs: 1. Clay Brodie, 2. Heath Tessmann, 3. Rob McMickan; 4. Will Crutchley, 5. Phil Mathers; 6. Tom Eagan, 7. Israel Stephens, 8. Pauliasi Taumoepeau[c]; 9. Luke Irwin, 10. Angus Sinclair; 11. Scott Ferris, 12. Tom Azar, 13. Patrick Dellit, 14.Anton Lavin; 15 Harry Bennett.
Referee: Nathan Pearce
WEST HARBOUR (10) v PARRAMATTA (6) at Concord Oval (3pm)
West Harbour make three changes to the side that lost to Eastwood last round with flanker Sione Tau, centre Tevita Havea coming into the side after paying second grade last week while No.8 Tom Games returns to the side. Parramatta make only the one change to the side that lost to Gordon last week with winger Tomu Mataika coming into the side after playing second grade last week.
West Harbour: 1.Michael Alaalatoa, 2.Paul Ngauamo, 3. Vaughan Lomax; 4. Alfed Pinomi, 5. Scott Stevens; 6. Sione Tau, 7. Tom Andrews, 8. Tom Games,; 9. Barton Jones, 10. Shaun Treweek; 11. Tito Mua, 12. Tevita Havea, 13. Henry Seavula, 14.Macquarie Tatola; 15 Oleni Ngungutau.
Parramatta: 1. Nicholas Blacklock, 2. Trent Hosher, 3. Chris Seuteni; 4. Ryan Aniseko, 5. Adam Coleman; 6.Evan Olmstead, 7. Matt White, 8. Andrew Cox[c]; 9. Kaleb Rech, 10. Tom Woods; 11. Tomu Mataika, 12Dan Yakopo,13. Iese Leota, 14. Tui Fa'asisila, 15. Mosese Tavola.
Referee: Andrew Lees
SRU Premiership Competition » Shute Shield (1st Grade)
| Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Df |
BP 4t |
BP <7p |
BP |
Pts |
 |
Southern Districts |
7 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
273 |
152 |
121 |
6 |
1 |
7 |
31 |
|
Eastwood |
7 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
241 |
159 |
82 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
28 |
|
Eastern Suburbs |
7 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
217 |
165 |
52 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
28 |
|
Manly |
7 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
190 |
150 |
40 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
28 |
|
Sydney University |
7 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
245 |
127 |
118 |
5 |
2 |
7 |
27 |
|
Parramatta |
7 |
4 |
0 |
3 |
182 |
175 |
7 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
21 |
|
Warringah |
7 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
168 |
162 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
18 |
|
Northern Suburbs |
7 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
138 |
167 |
-29 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
12 |
|
Gordon |
7 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
161 |
223 |
-62 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
12 |
|
West Harbour |
7 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
161 |
299 |
-138 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
7 |
|
Penrith |
7 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
114 |
212 |
-98 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
|
Randwick |
7 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
109 |
208 |
-99 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
| P=Played W=Wins D=Draws L=Losses F=Points For A=Points Against Df=Points Difference BP 4t=Four Tries BP <7p=Close Losses BP=Total Bonus Points Pts=Ladder Points |
Last Round Played: Round 7 - 26/05/2012
| Home Team |
v |
Away Team |
Location |
Time |
|
Warringah |
26 |
v |
Randwick |
13 |
Pittwater Rugby Park |
3:00pm |
|
Penrith |
12 |
v |
Sydney University |
43 |
Nepean Rugby Park |
3:00pm |
|
Northern Suburbs |
13 |
v |
Southern Districts |
35 |
North Sydney Oval |
3:00pm |
|
Eastern Suburbs |
26 |
v |
Manly |
24 |
Woollahra Oval |
3:00pm |
|
Eastwood |
55 |
v |
West Harbour |
24 |
T. G. Millner Field |
3:00pm |
|
Gordon |
33 |
v |
Parramatta |
53 |
Chatswood Oval |
3:00pm |
Next Round: Round 8 - 2/06/2012
| Home Team |
v |
Away Team |
Location |
Time |
|
Sydney University |
|
v |
Warringah |
|
University Oval No. 1 |
3:00pm |
|
Southern Districts |
|
v |
Penrith |
|
Forshaw Rugby Park |
3:00pm |
|
Northern Suburbs |
|
v |
Gordon |
|
North Sydney Oval |
3:00pm |
|
Randwick |
|
v |
Eastern Suburbs |
|
Coogee Oval |
3:00pm |
|
Manly |
|
v |
Eastwood |
|
Manly Oval |
3:00pm |
|
West Harbour |
|
v |
Parramatta |
|
Concord Oval |
3:00pm |