Intrust Shute Shield Round 7: Match Previews
Photo: Serge Gonzalez
Eastwood v Manly
Both Eastwood and Manly look to have hit form just in time for this weekend’s grand final rematch, setting up a bumper clash on 7TWO this Saturday.
The Woodies were too good for Southern Districts in tough conditions at TG Millner last weekend, with 12 points from the boot of Jai Ayoub proving the difference.
“I was really happy with our ability to play to the conditions. We had patience in both attack and defence and controlled the game well,” Eastwood coach Stu Woodhouse told Rugby News.
NSW U20’s hooker Ed Craig has been added to the reigning premiers starting side alongside Sam Needs and Ben Shorter.
Fullback Jerome McKenzie wasn't named earlier this week, with John Grant named at No.15.
Manly scored in the final play of the match at Coogee Oval last weekend to hand Randwick their first loss of 2016 and will take plenty of confidence into the grand final rematch.
“We scrummed well, our defence had sting in it and we worked hard