Rugby returns to The Canal this weekend when the Bull Sharks host Norths.
The Bull Sharks are fresh off the bye and looking for redemption after the Premier Men, Women and Colts 1 all suffered defeats at the hands of Wests before the break.
Premier Men
Last time they met:
Rd 4, 2024 at Norths.
Bond won 19-12.
The opposition:
Norths have had a series of really good results lately. While they are situated towards the bottom of the table, their form has been a lot stronger than their position gives them credit for. They have recently added some strength from the UK to their line-up and are a lot stronger in personnel than the first time we played them this season.
Shuffling the magnets:
Our line-up will see a few changes as we have Nathan Beal back from injury. He returned via the second grade last week and will be available for selection. We have also gained George Blake and Matt Gibbon back from their Super Rugby duties. We have unfortunately lost Jack Winchester due to an injury that might see him out for a few games.
One to watch:
Rhian Stowers has been very dangerous for us this season and we expect nothing less this Saturday. A positional switch will hopefully see him getting his hands on the ball a bit more too.
The focus:
Our last game was our best physical game, we want to carry this through to our match up against Norths. The focus will be continuing to be tough in our defence and contact. It is our ambition to be able to match it with the best teams as far as physicality goes.
Final word:
We usually have a lot of success against Norths, we are looking for similar results this weekend. We are hopeful that we can complete a clean sweep of all grades on Saturday which would be our first cross the board wins at home this season.
With Mick Heenan.
Premier Women
Last time they met:
Bond won 68-0.
The opposition:
We have a lot of respect for Norths. They have battled away for a few seasons and I feel some of the scorelines doesn't respect the calibre of team they are becoming and the effort they give on the field.
Shuffling the magnets:
Our biggest changes will be in our front row. With the recent Wallaroos selections, we will be losing Madi Schuck and Eva Karpani. The girls are out for the next three weeks on international duties leaving some pretty big shoes to fill.
The focus:
Our big focus is to get back on track. With two losses in a row, we need to start dialling it all in to get our momentum back heading towards the end of the season.
The final word:
It is back to basics for us. A win is crucial to get back on track.
With Shannon Symon.
Colts 1
Last time they met:
Bond won 40-38.
The opposition:
Norths have won their last three games and have been developing well as the competition progresses. They have a very tough and strong front row that we will have to combat.
Shuffling the magnets:
Our only change this weekend will be Zeb Misios stepping in for Joe Murray. Zeb will be coming back to our side after his last few games with the Premier Mens. We have unfortunately lost Murray for the rest of the season with a knee injury. This is a pretty big loss for us but we have good players available in Jack Tee and Will Carter.
Ones to watch:
Fergus Gillan offers a lot of skill to the team; he will be one to look out for this weekend. We are expecting a big game form him in Lock, alongside the ever-consistent force that is Oliver Barret.
The focus:
This week our big focus will be on our discipline. We have let ourselves down in this area the past few games. If we get this right and stay consistent with it across both halves it will be a tough day for Norths.
The final word:
This game is a defining one for us. We have showed a lot of promise but haven’t quite delivered to our capability yet. I am really excited to see what the boys bring to the field this Saturday.
With Rico Gear.