Padua have had a tough start to the season, playing the only two remaining undefeated teams in the opening three rounds. 

We caught up with coach Shane Buckley to get his views at the midway point of the season. 

2021: 6th; 1 win, 2 losses

Remaining matches: Marist (H), Eddies (H), Iona (A), Villanova (A)

How would you describe your side’s start to the season?

“I think that the coaching staff and the players would agree that our start has been below our expectations,” Padua coach Shane Buckley told Rugby News. 

“We were hoping to be 3 from 3 and with a 1 from 3 start, we are realistically playing for pride. 

“We began well enough against St. Peters and had been building with each game. We had a close loss to SLC but despite trying hard, we were off the pace against a very committed St Pat’s side.”

What are you doing well?

“Our energy levels have been good and our lineouts with Max Johnson leading the way have been an area where we have performed better.”

What do you need to improve? 

“Our communication needs to be stronger both in attack and defence. Our error rate has, at times, made it hard to win games.”

Who is the team to beat this season? 

“Both St Pat’s and St Laurences are undefeated but I feel St Laurence’s defensive energy probably gives them the edge as the team to beat.”

Who have been your standout players? 

“Dan Healy, our captain is a tireless performer. Max Johnson has been strong, particularly in the line-out. 

“Leighton Whippy is in the unique position of being a prop and our leading try scorer with 3 tries from 3 games and Alex Smith looks dangerous every time he touches the ball.”

What is the goal between now and the end of the 2021 season?

“With 4 games left, our goal will be to continue to play with energy, execute our structures well and finish with four wins with a possible 2nd or 3rd place finish.”