The Lindroth Cup has returned.
Round 1 of the highly anticipated season will see a number of blockbuster match-ups including our Match of the Round between Melbourne Unicorns and Casey Crusaders at Orrong-Romanis Reserve.
We caught up with both sides 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 Team Captain Nuala O’Connor
How has the teams pre-season preparations come along?
It’s been going really well. It has been a long pre-season due to covid. But we have put in the hard work and we’ve trained hard the last year- so hopefully we can play out the season.
How do you feel your side performed in the trial matches?
Quite good. We have a lot of new girls down. For a social and playing aspect, we definitely have a good unit and bond within the team. I think that will come out on Saturday.
What are you looking forward to most about the return of Rugby this year?
Just getting back playing and having something to do. Covid has kept us all indoors for long enough. I think it is good to get back out, meet new girls and get a good season of rugby in.
Which players do you expect to fire for your team in Round 1?
Our no. 11 Jemma Collins - she is very new to her Rugby Union. She has played a lot of Rugby League, but she is showing some really good stuff at training and I’m excited to get to play beside her this year.
What do you think you’ll need to bring in the match-up against the Casey Crusaders in Round 1, 2021?
I think putting together what we have trained the last couple of months. Coming together as a team, we’ve had a few preseason runs – so I think just learning from those and putting it all together on Saturday.
What are the Melbourne Unicorns expectations this season?
Melbourne Unicorns found it hard to get a team together last year. I think its about building the club back up, at the same time with a competitive aim to make finals.
Casey Crusaders player Rachel McDonald
How has the teams pre-season preparations come along?
It’s been really good to be training alongside our first ever men’s team this year. We are building the momentum with them as well. We are getting a lot of the girls in from the Youth Girls team, that didn’t have a team last year due to Covid, who are now able to step up into the women’s side. It’s been really positive.
Which players do you expect to fire for your team in Round 1?
Our girl Elizabeth Lupeamanu played with the Under 17 Rebels girl’s side. We are really looking forward to seeing her in action. Our captain from 2019, Lin Felise, is an absolute powerhouse and is really looking forward to getting back out there after a year off.
What are the Casey Crusader expectations this season?
Building on our momentum from our first season in the Lindroth Cup in 2019 and really making the most of getting back out there and playing Rugby after it was taken from us last year. We’re really looking forward to getting back out there.
What are you looking forward to most about the return of Rugby this year?
Building that relationship and comradery with our team again. As well as playing alongside other woman. It’s been a really positive time for Casey with our first season in in the Lindroth Cup in 2019. I’m just really excited to being back out there with all the women.
What do you think the Unicorns will bring to the match-up in Round 1 of 2021?
We played them a few times in 2019. We are really looking forward to seeing what they’ve got, because we know they’ve been putting in the hard yards.
The Lindroth Cup Match of the Round will be held at Orrong-Romanis Reservce, K/O 1:35pm. Tune into Rugby Victoria’s Facebook page from 1pm to catch the Live-Stream of the match as well as the Rugby Xplorer app live and on-demand.
