The Bull Sharks return to The Canal on Saturday for one of their biggest tests of the season in front of one of their largest crowds of the year.
Wests will be out to spoil Bond’s Ladies’ Day as they look to make amends for their shock loss to Easts.
But the Bull Sharks showed in the tight loss to GPS that they have plenty of flair when they are switched on, which could bite the Bulldogs in round 13.
“It was a really physical game last weekend against Jeeps. Bodies are a bit banged up and bruised but the players have looked after themselves really well,” said coach Grant Anderson.
“They’ll be right for some pretty tough training sessions this week.”
LAST TIME THEY MET
Torrential conditions marked the teams’ last match up in round four when they met at Toowong, where the Bull Sharks posted their first loss of the season.
Bond started strongly with a try to captain Dan Boardman followed by a penalty kick from Hayden Sergeant resulting in a handy 8-nil lead after nine minutes.
But the Bulldogs arrested the momentum scoring three unanswered tries to lead 24-8 at the break.
Superb tactical kicking from Wests in the second half saw the home side seal the game 31-15.
With more wet weather on the cards for Saturday, Bond won’t want history to repeat.
TEAM NEWS
Irish wrecking ball Matt Dalton is due to return from injury to cause headaches for the underdogs.
John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship holder Alex Mafi, who recently signed with the Melbourne Rebels from the Queensland Reds, was due to return this week however he has suffered a hamstring injury.
WHERE IT WILL BE WON
Coach Grant Anderson said his players need to be more clinical in their attack.
“We need to make sure we are completing our passes and really threatening the defensive line when we have the ball.
“We also need to make sure that our exits from kick-offs are better and our chase line post kicks are on song this week.
“The boys are looking forward to the challenge, they know that if we play to our potential then we’ll really challenge Wests,” said Anderson.
THE LADDER
Bond has slipped to sixth on the ladder following the loss to GPS, two points behind Easts in fifth and five points behind Jeeps in fourth.
Anderson said it is far from panic stations for Bond.
“We still have six more games to play and everyone above us on the table still has to have their bye.
“We’re taking it one game at a time, making sure we’re focused on Wests this week and not looking too far ahead.
“The players are very self-aware, they understand the situation with regards to where we are in the season and they’re really looking forward to testing themselves against the top of the table team this weekend on Ladies’ Day.
“It’s been building year after year and I think with the support we’re getting we will have a lot of people watching this weekend,” said Anderson.
IN OTHER GRADES
The women’s premier side play on Friday night against Wests to allow them to take full advantage of the club’s Ladies’ Day.
The second grade men’s team can further cement third spot on the ladder behind Souths and Brothers with a win.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION
The Ladies’ Day event will now be held inside the clubhouse with rain forecast.
Watch the action live on Stan Sport, or better yet head to Bond’s rugby fields.
Women - Friday 7:30pm - The Canal
First grade – Saturday 3:05pm – The Canal
Second grade - Saturday 1:30pm – The Canal
Third grade – Saturday 10:50 am – The Canal
Colts one – Saturday 12:10pm – The Canal
Colts two – Saturday 9:30am – The Canal