The Lindroth Cup is finally back.. back again!
The Round 8 Match of the Round will see top of the table Melbourne University clash with the Casey Crusaders on neutral territory at RHL Sparks Reserve.
We caught up with both sides before their Round 8 clash to hear their thoughts on their sides preparations and what they believe the opposition will bring game day.
Melbourne University Head Coach Ryan Cox
How did the team stay Rugby Ready during the recent covid enforced lockdown?
Bit of conditioning and ball skill where they could. Some of the players do live close together and were bubble buddies, so that made doing conditioning and core skills easier.
Melbourne Uni sits in first place with a 7-0 record, how do you feel the side has performed so far this season?
They have performed well so far, but still so much improvement to be made. We haven't had the chance to play a full-strength team either, due to injuries or other commitments outside of rugby.
The team returned to rugby last week with a win over the Melbourne Unicorns. What did the team takeaway from the performance?
We were very scratchy but did get better throughout the game. Was our first game back from the 3-week break and then another lockdown got added to that as well. So, it's pretty hard to carry on with the momentum we had coming out of such large break.
What players have been your biggest improvers this season?
Annie Purcell for me, it's her first season playing rugby and has taken to it like a duck to water. Unfortunately, she did her ligaments in her ankle. hopefully, she'll be back towards the end of the season.
You last met Casey in Round 5 – winning by 19 points at Casey. What can the team takeaway from that match?
That it was very physical game and expecting the more of the same on Saturday.
What will be your focus for your team heading into the remaining five matches before finals?
To keep on improving on what we have been doing so far
What are you expecting Casey to bring to the match-up and where do you think the match will be won or lost?
They will be physical and will want to put pressure on us in the forwards. They have big ball runners and couple of sharp backs, we will have to be careful of that. It's hard to say where it will be won or lost, the lack of consistent game time makes it difficult for both teams.
Casey Crusaders President Tom Tufuga
Casey sits in fourth place with a 2-5 record, how do you feel the side has performed so far this season?
The girls have worked really hard each week, the start of the season is a distance away and we have focused on what’s in front and enjoying some great footy.
The team returned to rugby in Round 7 with a strong win over Western Districts. What did the team takeaway from that performance?
What we took away is hard work always beats talent, we have not rested at all. We trained 3 days a week over the super w period and it def showed on Saturday
What players have been your biggest improvers this season?
I believe the entire team as a whole has improved; we have talented individuals but as a team we have improved.
The team last met Melbourne Uni in Round 5 – losing by 19 points at home. What can the team takeaway from that match?
What we took away is no matter what the situation is we need to adapt and adjust; we are just keen to play Melbourne University again and really show case what we have been working on.
What will be the focus for your team heading into the remaining three matches before finals?
We focus on one team at a time and stick to our game plan.
What are you expecting Melbourne Uni to bring to the match-up and where do you think the match will be won or lost?
Melbourne Uni have some speedy players so they will def be using their speed, so I think the challenge will be out in the backs.
