The stage is set. The Brighton Renault Dewar Shield Preliminary Final. Harlequins v Box Hill. Winner moves on to the big dance. The loser is done for 2019.
Southern Districts Rugby Club will play host to the blockbuster Harlequins (2) v Box Hill (3) at 2:45pm. The two sides are a win-a-piece after the regular season with the third outing showing all signs of being a classic.
We caught up with both sides before their knock-out clash to hear their thoughts on their sides preparations and what they believe the opposition will bring game day.
Chris Allen - Harlequins 1st XV Head Coach
How do you feel the side performed against Melbourne in the Major-Semi Final?
That wasn’t our best performance we made a lot of errors which will need rectifying this week, our defence was ok but we lost the breakdown battle which is always a lead indicator to success. Melbourne to their credit capitalised when needed which is what is required at this end of the season.
What learnings did you take out of your two match-ups against Box Hill in the regular season?
Box Hill are a very physical side they use field position well and try to put teams under pressure, we understand where they are strong so it’s just a matter of being smart and focus on what we can control.
What do you expect Box Hill to bring to the match-up in Finals Footy?
Again, Physicality for sure! Our game against them 2 weeks ago was like finals footy so this should be a great battle to watch.
Which players do you expect to fire for Box Hill this weekend?
They have threats all over the park, when it’s a Prelim final there are no second chances.
Tim Belcher - Box Hill 1st XV Head Coach
How do you feel the side performed against Melbourne University in the Minor-Semi Final?
We got the job done. Discipline and Defence were our KPI's and we ticked those boxes.
What learnings did you take out of your two regular season match-ups against Harlequins?
As I said last week, the previous encounters are irrelevant now, but for the pundits I suppose you could say its 1 a piece.
What do you expect Harlequins to bring to the match-up in Finals Footy?
Look they want what we want, a place in the Grand Final. We will take it to them all game and see who blinks.
Which players do you expect to fire for Harlequins this weekend?
All of them
