Waratahs have dominated Wagga City for the past three seasons, but that will count for little come Saturday, according to both rival coaches.
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Wagga City mentor Michael Kanck and his Waratahs counterpart Angus Macleod expects previous results will count for little when the two teams play off for a place in the Southern Inland grand final at Conolly Rugby Complex.
Waratahs have won their last nine clashes between the two teams, including all three this season plus three last year, including the grand final.
The most recent was a 37-21 victory two weeks ago, but Macleod believes it counts for very little.
“What has happened throughout the season means absolutely zilch compared to Saturday’s game,” Macleod said. “They are getting a sniff of their second grade final in as many years after a very long time so they will certainly will be hungry but by the same token we have the same desire to be there as well.”
Kanck is another looking to focus on the future as the Boiled Lollies look to end a horror streak against their closest rivals.
It hasn’t been since July 2013 that Wagga City have got the better of Tahs.
Kanck is hoping that changes come Saturday.
He is looking for the team to bring more passion in order to run their long run of outs.
“I think we have to bring a bit of passion to our game,” Kanck said.
“A couple of weeks ago were were pretty flat going in.
“I think if we up our passion, bring up defensive line into their face and cut down their playmaking options and put a stop to their driving maul it should be a pretty good contest.”
Their poor record has been far from a focus.
“We try to look forward and while we are aware of our past it is not something that comes up in conversation or discussion,” Kanck said.
“It is not what our footy club is about.
“We have to look to the future and concentrate on us being a better rugby team and club.”
With the clubs heading into their fourth clash of the season, there should be plenty of familiarity with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
It also helps both teams train alongside each other at Conolly Rugby Complex each week.
“It is one of those weird things where you are training on fields next to each other,” Kanck said.
“It gets uncomfortable, like in last year’s grand final as you are training next to a team you are about to play.”
Despite, coming off a big loss to Leeton, Macleod believes the team is well prepared.
