Rugby Victoria caught up with the Brighton Renault Dewar Shield sides before their highly anticipated semi final matches.
Melbourne v Harlequins
BROCK PARKER - HARLEQUINS CHAIR OF RUGBY
How do you feel your side performed in the back half of the season leading up to finals?
The club in general has battled some injuries in the second half of the season but there is a very positive feel that the team is peaking at the right time.
Having already played two tough games against Melbourne this year, what will the side be focusing on to overcome the Unicorns the third time round?
Discipline and executing the basics – but most of all we have to take our opportunities when they are presented.
How has the teams preparations been this week coming into this blockbuster Semi Final match?
The guys have been very relaxed, for the first time in a number of years we aren’t the favourites going into a Semi Final so I think they are enjoying not having the added pressure of expectation that the minor premiers and home team generally feels.
Will you be looking to certain players in your side to step up and have a big impact on the game this weekend?
The Valetini brothers have been strong in the last month, especially Billy. But a guy I think that can have a big impact is backrower Matia Vibote.
What do you think Melbourne will bring to the match up this time round?
A home Semi Final with a GF spot on the line, I am sure there will be plenty of passion from the players and the supporters so it should be great atmosphere. They had good execution across the paddock the last time we played and I think they will continue to look for that strong go forward ball from their pack and in the midfield.
Any Melbourne players you will be wary of this weekend?
Rebel Esi Haangana has been very good since he got back from the U20s World Cup and skipper Sakaria Noa is a guy that never plays a bad game.
*Melbourne could not be reached for comment
Moorabbin v Power House
JUSTIN CARROLL - HEAD COACH MOORABBIN
How do you feel your side performed in the back half of the season leading up to finals?
The club are very satisfied with the back end of our season considering the number of injuries we have had. We have been unable to field the same side back to back and the positive from that is that the players that were brought into the sided stepped up and ensure we got the job done securing the third place finish and the home semi-final.
Coming away with 2 wins from 2 against Power House this season, will you be drawing on the learnings from these matches coming into third meeting between the two sides this weekend?
Not really. Semi-final football is a completely different beast. We know they have had a great run through the back half of the season and are coming to Moorabbin with a lot of momentum. They are a dangerous team and we will have to play very well to move further into the finals.
How has the teams preparations been this week coming into this blockbuster Semi Final match?
As you can imagine the team is excited to be playing finals football so training has been upbeat this week. The focus has been on ensuring we continue to do the little things well which has got us this far this season. We have no intention of changing the way we play, I think that by this stage of the competition everyone knows you strengths and weaknesses we just have to make sure we are ready to play to our best.
Will you be looking to certain players in your side to step up and have a big impact on the game this weekend?
Yes. All of them. We have made sure this season that each player has clarity around their individual role and I expect them to all perform those on Saturday. Any success we have had this season has been based on a collective performance and nothing has changed that just because it is a final.
What do you think Power House will bring to the match up this time round?
As I said earlier by this stage of the season there are few surprises from teams. Their strong forward pack and set piece will again be their foundation for a solid performance. They are a very capable team and we are preparing for them to bring their best.
Any Power House players you will be wary of this weekend?
No that is fraught with peril if we concentrate on individuals. If we ensure our systems and processes are in place and each individual does their job it will go a long way towards a successful outcome on Saturday.
COLE MOONEY - HEAD COACH POWER HOUSE
How do you feel your side performed in the back half of the season leading up to finals?
ET and I thought the guys showed a lot of determination and grit to get through the last few weeks of the competition just to get to the finals. Ultimately this was a journey of discovery for the guys as we continued to get an understanding of where our strengths lay and the more we utilised those strengths the better our performances became.
Having already played two tough games against Moorabbin this year, what will the side be focusing on to overcome the Rams the third time round?
Moorabbin are really good in transition and attack potently from anywhere. Added to this is a pretty dogged defence making them a hard team to wear down and if you lapse they will hurt you. With this in mind we need to focus on our own game and look after being technically and tactically on point to give ourselves the best chance at a good performance.
How has the teams preparations been this week coming into this blockbuster Semi Final match?
Good. Exciting time for 1st grade but also 2nd grade and our Womens team. Having some successful Colts added into the mix has added a bit of energy around the club. There were some good problems sorting players into grades but it has been good to see focus remain.
Will you be looking to certain players in your side to step up and have a big impact on the game this weekend?
Everyone in the side on the weekend is capable of making an impact in their role if we set the right platform and free our backs to strike. We focus on all contributing.
What do you think Moorabbin will bring to the match up this time round?
They are playing at home and like us last year weren’t in the Semis so there will be a lot of intent and energy. They are well coached and have some real talent. We are preparing for a really tough encounter.
Any Moorabbin players you will be wary of this weekend?
Pretty Good across the board from Sione and Siosi through to Oisin at the back. All year the back-row has been amazing and made it very hard for teams to get consistency in attack. Johnny Hunt has had a big year at half back. While not players we just know that Patches and JC are going to have a really good plan and we need to be ready.
