By Tim Mosey

QLD vs NSW. Leinster vs Munster. Canterbury vs Otago.

Rugby has some fantastic rivalries and at club rugby level Brothers vs University is one of the best.

For more than 100 years the University of Queensland and Brothers Rugby clubs have had more than their fair share of intense encounters.

This week they continue their rivalry at Crosby Park, 3:20pm

Since the days of Tony Shaw, Paul McLean and Brendan Moon lacing up for the Butcher’s Stripes to face the likes of Greg Martin, Mark Loane and Michael Lynagh for the Red Heavies, the rivalry has been fierce.

Both clubs enjoy a deep undercurrent of tradition and culture, something that isn’t lost on UQ head coach Mick Heenan.

“The build up to the match this week is similar to others though we are aware of the threat Brothers possess. We’ve spoken about it (the rivalry), though not focused directly on it,” said Heenan.

Interestingly Heenan suggests that recent years have seen perhaps a more significant level of competitiveness.

“I think rather than the last 20 or 30 years, it has been the last six or seven years which have been pretty fierce, and maybe because of the consistent quality of the two teams.

“In both clubs, you have had a stable coaching setup and reasonably stable core playing groups in the last seven or so years.

“Both teams know how the other one plays, we know what they will throw at us, they know what we will throw at them.

“It will be the team who executes the most effectively on Saturday who will win.”

Brothers captain Luke Beauchamp has similar views on the rivalry ahead of Saturday’s round two clash.

“We touched on the importance of playing against Uni, and how much history there is between the two clubs.

“With Old Boys day this weekend the club has planned to welcome back our past players to support the club.

“We understand that when we play Uni it will always be a big game.”

While UQ will be without a number of big names, Heenan has named Reds squad members Harry Hockings, Angus Scott-Young and Adam Korczyk for the clash.

“These guys have been playing exceptionally well for QLD. Hopefully they are selected again (for the Reds) this week, though we would welcome them back wholeheartedly,” said Heenan.

Beauchamp points to the battle of the halfbacks as a key determinant to success.

“Gussy (Angus) Fowler is a young guy and Tate McDermott is a young guy who has been given an opportunity with the Reds.

“There is a healthy head to head competitive match up there.”

Brothers will welcome back 12 year stalwart Nathaniel Gendle through reserve grade and Beauchamp notes his experience will be valuable if he makes it onto the pitch.

“We’ve got a youthful side this year and that contributed to our performance last week against GPS.

“Gendle’s experience brings so much back to our young team and with him returning this week it is a bonus for us.”

Whoever takes to the park this weekend in either jersey, you can be assured that the tradition of a match up between these two prestigious clubs ensures a blockbuster encounter.

Just like QLD vs NSW, Leinster vs Munster or Canterbury vs Otago.