The 2021 Alltel Dewar Shield is finally here.
It has been 603 days since the Melbourne Unicorns and Box Hill played off for the 2019 Dewar Shield and no one could expect it would be a further one year, seven months and 25 days until the competition would finally kick-start once again.
Round 1 of the highly anticipated season will see a number of blockbuster match-ups including our Match of the Round between 2019 Premiers Melbourne Unicorns and 2019 Preliminary Finalists Harlequins.
We caught up with both coaches before their Round 1 clash to hear their thoughts on their sides preparations and what they believe the opposition will bring game day.
Melbourne Unicorns First XV Head Coach Tumai Edwards
How has the teams pre-season preparations come along?
We’ve had a good build-up considering most of the squad has stayed together from last year. We’ve had a fresh intake from the team that won it two years ago; only four guys have returned. I think keeping the guys through covid and this year has helped.
What did you get out of your Team Tour to Gold Coast this pre-season?
The boys have come back closer than ever, the bonding… it’s pretty tight now. The main objective was to get the boys away, out of their comfort zone and just get them mixing with each other. I think it’s paid dividends for us.
Any new recruits we should look out for this weekend?
Taliu Tuia is a young 19-year-old who has been impressing in the back in the trial matches. Our centre Sione Alatini-Vaihu has been quite strong through the pre-season. There’ll be a few new faces out there for the Unicorns.
Which players do you expect to fire for your team in Round 1?
We’ve still got our Lamborghini on the wing, Matai Nairavu. He’s still the same; he’s very dangerous once he gets the ball in hand. Our skipper Maciu Nabolakasi has stepped up his leadership. He’s gone to the next level now and we expect big things from him this year.
How do you feel your side performed in the trial matches?
We’ve been lucky we’ve had a lot of numbers in the first and second grades. Getting the combinations right has been easy for us.
What are you looking forward to most about the return of Rugby this year?
The boys are so excited. We can’t wait to let them get out there and play the sport they love. It’s been a long wait; everyone is just eager to play.
What do you think the Harlequins will bring to the match-up in Round 1, 2021?
Every year this is the match we look for when the draw comes out. This year it happens to be the first game. Both teams are going to be up for it. It’s always going to be a physical battle; both teams are well structured. Whoever dominates upfront tends to get the advantage at the end of the day.
Harlequins First XV Head Coach Chris Allen
How has the teams pre-season preparations come along?
The pre-season preparation has been good. A lot of the guys have returned for their third or fourth pre-seasons. The guys have fronted up well; we are really fit at the moment. We are keen to get in and start playing some games.
Any new recruits we should look out for this weekend?
We’ve gone back to the core of the club this year. We’re really focused on developing our youth. We’ve had a really strong Colts team over the last two to three seasons and we’re trying to develop that. If we can have 10 to 12 colts players playing week in week out, that’s a real bonus for us. Midfielder Matt Gandy has come down from Queensland – he seems to be a handy individual.
Which players do you expect to fire for your team in Round 1?
Our captain Angus Arundel is carrying a hamstring injury at the moment, so we’ll miss him for the first few weeks. Tom Blake, a former Australian schoolboy who has played a lot with the Melbourne Rising, is in really good shape at the moment. I’m expecting a lot out of him this season. He had a great trial match and is really up for the season.
How do you feel your side performed in the trial matches?
We played two trial matches. The first one was against Moorabbin which was a split 25, 25, 25 and there were a lot of mistakes from both teams. Last Saturday, we played Power House for a full 80 minute game. It was a good hit out. Our set-piece was okay, there was a lot of handling errors which you can expect at this time of the year. But the guys were energetic and enthused and I was pretty pleased with what happened.
Besides your own club, who is the biggest contender for the Premiership title in 2021?
Endeavour Hills and Moorabbin seem to be the big improvers. Melbourne Unicorns are going to be thereabouts again. I think it will be a much more even spread this year compared to the past.
What are you looking forward to most about the return of Rugby this year?
It has been a long time and the guys are really, really excited to get out there and play. There’s a lot of energy at training at the moment. Just the mateship and being able to sit in the shed after the game and have a beer and tell a story with some of the old boys at the bar is something everyone misses.
What do you think the Unicorns will bring to the match-up in Round 1 of 2021?
They are always well drilled and very physical. We’re going to have to match that physicality. Their backline will be quite potent. That first half defence is probably going to be important for us on Saturday.
The Alltel Dewar Shield Match of the Round will be held at Orrong Romanis Reservce, K/O 3:15pm. Tune into Rugby Victoria’s Facebook page from 3pm to catch the Live-Stream of the match as well as the Rugby Xplorer app live and on-demand.
