The second round of Queensland Premier Rugby kicks off this weekend with the Bull Sharks heading up to Sunnybank with some big name inclusions across the grades. The Premier Men and Colts 1 are desperate for wins to stay in the finals hunt while it’s a top of the table clash for the Premier Women.
Bond University v Sunnybank at Sunnybank.
Premier Men
Last time we met:
Round 1, 2024 at The Canal.
Bull Sharks lost 18-15.
The Opposition:
Last time we played them we lost in our first home game of the season, and we are keen to rectify that result. Sunnybank have had some good recruits come in over the off-season and are a big team with lots of talent. We will have to play a very controlled game.
Where it will be won:
They have a lot of attacking weaponry and any chance you give them, they will seize upon. We cannot afford mistakes or turn overs because they will take full advantage of them. We need to play in the right areas, really control our attack and take our chances when they present themselves.
One to watch:
Tyler Campbell and Rhian Stowers have been fantastic all year. They work really well together driving the team’s efforts. We will be welcoming back Angus Blyth (Reds) and Lukas Ripley (Rebels), so that is some big talent to bolster our lines and it will be great to see them back on the field in blue and gold.
The focus:
We are coming off a win after three losses in a row. We are focused on consolidating the win and keeping the ball moving. We want to go into our bye on a high from another win this weekend.
Shuffling the magnets:
Our front rower Rhys Sheriff comes back into the starting pack, alongside Angus Blyth while Lukas Ripley will line up at outside centre.
Final Word:
We have had one completed round and this is the start of the second round. We have managed to stay in touch with the front runners and now it is all about making that push for finals.
With Mick Heenan.
Premier women
Last time they met:
Round 1, 2024 at The Canal.
Bull Sharks won 14-13
The opposition:
It’s a top of the table clash which obviously means Sunnybank are a decent side. They are powerful up front and have an abundance of speed, power and skill out wide.
Where it will be won:
As always... up front. The inclusion of International props Charli Jacoby and Eva Karpani adds plenty more punch to an already dominant scrum. We will look to gain the ascendancy up front at the set piece.
One to watch:
Eva Karpani makes her return from International duties and is keen to rip in with her Bond family. Zoe Hanna continues to impress at No 8 and Princess Elliot is set to debut from the bench after time away to start a family.
The focus:
It is all about defence. Sunnybank have threats from 1 to 23 with strong carrying forwards and potent attacking backs. We need to make dominant first up tackles and shut them down.
With Shannon Symon.
Colts 1
Last time they met:
Round 1, 2024 at The Canal.
Bull Sharks lost 43 – 24.
The opposition:
Sunnybank got the result over us the last time. They are one of the more physical teams in the comp, especially in the forwards. And they have genuine pace out wide. Their winger has been rather dangerous who has made a habit of scoring intercept tries. He is very good in the air also. They drew with UQ two weeks ago, so we are certainly aware of the challenge and ready to rise to it.
Where it will be won:
Definitely up front in the battle of the forwards. If we take care of scrum and line-out-and look to put them under pressure through our set piece, we will have plenty of good ball to play with.
One to watch:
Harry Bell is back for us from Premier Men where he has played well for a few weeks. He will be really keen to lead and put on big performance with his mates surrounding him. He will make a big difference in scrum.
The focus:
It is defence, and more specifically tackling. We haven’t been great with one-on-one tackles. We have been working on improving the players ability to track opponents and falling off tackles less.
Shuffling the magnets:
Charlie McCauley back is back in at lock. He’s had a taste of Premier Grade and we are excited to see what he learned from that experience and how it can help our side.
Fergus Gillon is back after a decent stint on the sideline with a hamstring injury. He will come straight into our second row.
Final word:
We are certainty hunting a result and are heading up there ready to really rip in. There is an opportunity to start off the second round and send a message about where we want to bed at the end of the season. We will focus on being a tough side this week.
With Rico Gear.