Game Preview - 2018 Round 6

By Samuel Lindsayvs Eastern Suburbs (H) 2018 will only be the second time in five seasons that Southern Districts face Eastern Suburbs twice in one season. Historically speaking, Souths have a good record against the team hailing from Woollahra, coming away with five victories in the past six meetings. This year brings a fresh challenge as Eastern Suburbs have started strong as their young squad begins to mature. While it’s not the start to the season people had in mind for the Rebels, a few returning faces have provided a huge boost to the playing group. In particular Apolosi Latunipulu who slots straight in at inside centre. The return has freed up Denny Godinet to return to the accustomed outside centre role, Bayley Kuenzle returns from a brief stint away on representative duty to regain the number ten jersey, and Christian Kagiassis will switch to full-back, replacing the injured Jamie Verran. The Rebels have also reacquired half back Waldo Wessels, who comes to the team with plenty of top grade experience, and his guidance around the paddock will be vital for Souths this weekend. Shambeckler Vui has flown across the ditch to link up with the Waratahs squad, allowing Willie Ma’umalanga to move into the tight head role. Fili Tufui has recovered from an ankle injury and will be prepared to be injected into the contest at any stage. A final mention goes to Luke Smart, despite only making a return from injury in third grade against West Harbour in round two, the winger has already notched up four tries and rightfully earned himself a place in the Intrust Super Shute Shield Super Team after five rounds. Saturday is rightfully poised to be a huge day at Forshaw, as we compete for the inaugural Harry Gibbons Cup as part of our Surf Club Day celebrations. Aside from your regular day of rugby entertainment, we’ll have two games of Womens 7s, nipper races followed by the Harry Gibbons Plate match between North Cronulla Sea Lice and Burraneer Rugby Club under flood lights. DJ Shirtless will be in full folly on the hill throughout the afternoon and Max Smidt will be entertaining us in the clubhouse after the games wrap up. It’s going to be a huge day, so don’t miss out. First grade will be kicking-off at 3pm and the first game of the day, fourth grade will get underway at 10:30am. SDRC TEAM NEWS Starting Line-up1. Matt Gibbon2. Liam Dwyer3. Willie Ma'umalanga4. Angus Ryan5. Jake Douglas6. Alex Perez7. Conor Mitchell8. Marcus Carbone (c)9. Waldo Wessels10. Bayley Kuenzle11. Luke Smart12. Apolosi Latunipulu13. Denny Godinet14. Rowland-Keni Kotabalavau15. Christian Kagiassis STATSForm – Last 5 matchesSouthern Districts W L L L LEastern Suburbs W W L W WSouthern Districts vs Eastern Suburbs at Forshaw – Past 5 years2016 Round 4 Southern Districts 27 – 28 Eastern Suburbs2015 Round 4 Southern Districts 43 – 22 Eastern Suburbs2013 Round 2 Southern Districts 28 – 27 Eastern SuburbsSouthern Districts 5 year record vs Eastern Suburbs P W L F AForshaw Rugby Park 3 2 1 98 77Woollahra Oval 3 3 0 97 67Total 6 5 1 195 144