Lauries coach Welmar du Plessis said execution is the key for his side this weekend when they take on second placed St Patrick’s in a match that could help Lauries place one hand around the AIC trophy. 

Du Plessis’ side are yet to be beaten in 2021 and will claim the schools first outright AIC title since 2008 if they win their remaining two matches against Pat’s and Eddies in the next two weeks.

“It’s been pretty easy to keep the boys focussed and grounded. They know we haven’t won anything yet and that the job is not done,” the coach told Rugby News. 

“We had some very clear goals that we set early in the season and we haven’t achieved those goals yet.”

Lauries have been the form side of the competition since round one when they beat Marist Ashgrove and will start Saturday’s clash against Pats as favourites. 

“They’re a good side, but we have a clear plan for Saturday and I think it will come down to whether we can execute that plan. 

“I’ve said it every week, there are no easy games in this comp, so we need to be at our best on Saturday.

“Pats have shown that they have a lot of fighting spirit in them. They have had a few close wins this season which shows you that they don’t give up.”

Lauries have had more than a week and a half to prepare for Saturday’s unofficial ‘decider’ after playing their round five match midway through last week. 

“A lot of our focus has been about the detail around what we want from our boys and what we needed to get right for the Pats game,” the coach said. 

“The great thing about this year’s team is that we’ve had different players each week that have really performed well and impressed, it hasn’t just been the same players each week. 

“The players have challenged each other to get better each and every week, and I think that has shown in our performances thus far.”

If Pat’s can upset Lauries this weekend, they’ll face Marist Ashgrove a week later in a match that will likely decide which side will share the AIC title with Lauries

If Lauries win, they’ll face seventh placed Lauries for a chance to claim the outright premiership. 

“We haven’t thought too much about premierships yet,” du Plessis said. 

“There are still two games to go, so our focus in the last week has just been on beating Pats on Saturday. If we can do that, then we will worry Eddies in the last round.”