Written by Jim Tucker, courtesy of qld.rugby Source article
The return of Suliasi Vunivalu and Henry Speight on the wing for Wests has added twin turbos for the major semi-final showdown against Brothers on Saturday.
Vunivalu’s return from a knee injury is good news on top of Speight’s much briefer absence to repair a hamstring niggle.
Both will line-up against premiers Brothers at GPS Rugby Club on Saturday in the clash of StoreLocal Hospital Cup heavyweights.
The Bulldogs have had to juggle their backline with the inclusions and the absence of Moses Sorovi, playing No.10 for Wests but called into the Fijian Test squad at halfback.
In Sorovi’s absence, Mason Gordon will slide from fullback to No.10 re Mosese Dawai will shift from wing to fullback.
“We were able to train with the changes on Tuesday night so we are more than happy with Mason at flyhalf where he played earlier in the season,” Wests coach Elwee Prinsloo said.
The Bulldogs enter the finals on a seven-game winning streak but Prinsloo warns a new season has begun.
“We had a nice win (39-12) over Brothers in July but that has zero relevance because finals are a new comp,” Prinsloo said.
“Brothers are the benchmark. I think most clubs see it that way and no matter what is said there is a secret, jealous admiration for what they have achieved over the years.”
There are changes at Brothers too.
James O‘Connor has been training with the Brethren for two weeks. He has cleared his return to play protocols after his head knock against Tonga. He’ll step in at No.10 as a high-quality general.
Paddy James will switch to fullback while Bas Hanna will play on the wing in place of the injured Tim Ryan.
Up front, Wallabies squad lock Ryan Smith will start. Hamish Muller will push from lock to flanker and Noah Nielsen’s energy will be used off the bench.
Brothers coach Ben McCormack has noticed a sharp change into the mentality of his players this week.
“With so many players having been to finals in recent seasons, there’s definitely been a change in attitude and focus now the finals are here,” McCormack said.
“Fair play to Wests. They gave us a touch-up last time we met but this is a different occasion.”
For the Premier Women’s major semi on Saturday, premiers Bond University have suffered a double blow in the front-row.
Wallaroo Madi Schuck is out with a shoulder injury which magnifies the absence of American prop Charli Jacoby, who is on international duty.
Fortunately, the presence of Wallaroos prop Eva Karpani is a major positive.
“Eva has been awesome in the games she has played for us,” Bond Uni coach Shannon Symon said.
On the wings, pacy Eva Doblo and Mia Faifua will start with Reds squad winger Dianne Waight on the bench.
