GPS: Riverview looking to take next step against Kings’ side who are “setting the standard”

Riverview head into this weekend’s top of the table GPS first XV clash against Kings full of confidence on the back of two straight wins, but coach Toby L’Estrange still thinks his side has plenty of improvement in them.

“There have been some really positive signs in the opening two rounds, particularly last week against Scots at home, but in saying that, we still have plenty of areas where we can improve,” L’Estrange told Rugby News.

After opening their season with a tight win over Newington, Iggies ran in seven tries against Scots on Saturday, with young winger Tom Hartmann bagging a hat-trick in the 43-23 victory.

“We knew it was going to be a physical contest against Scots,” L’Estrange continued.

“I think our guys really fronted up in defence. They We had good line speed and defensive integrity and that was really pleasing, particularly this early on in the season.”

Riverview will face their biggest test of the season this weekend, when they face Kings in a clash of the only two undefeated sides remaining in the competition.

Kings opened their season with a dominant win over Shore, then held off a fast finishing Newington outfit last weekend to claim a 33-24 win, with gun outside back Hadley Tonga scoring three tries.

In previous years, Saturday’s clash at North Parramatta would have been treated as a quasi grand final, but with this year’s competition extended to 10 rounds, L’Estrange knows both sides are still building.

“We definitely left a few points out there against Scots and we can’t afford to do that this weekend.

“When we create opportunities, we can improve our decision making around whether to strike right away or hold the ball.

“We pride ourselves on our defence. Even though there have been some good signs, we know there is plenty of improvement left in executing our fundamental principles.

Riverview and Kings met in a trial earlier this season and L’Estrange said he’s been keeping a close eye on the Hugh Perrett and Jimmy Hilgendorf coached side since then.

“From our perspective, they are setting the standard for the competition at the moment so it’s a great opportunity for us to test ourselves and see where we’re at.

“They’ve got big forwards which they use to try and assert dominance in the middle, athletic backs, which they like to unleash in space and they’re well coached.

“Tactically, we think there are areas we can target but ultimately we’ve just got to continue improving our own style of play.”

After two rounds, Riverview and Kings are two points clear of Joeys in third with Scots, Shore and Newington all still chasing their first win of the season.

Elsewhere this weekend, Joeys host Newington and Shore travel to play Scots, with little separating all six sides so far this season.

“The results so far reflect just how tight the competition is,” L’Estrange said.

“Every team is going to be in the fight. You’ve got to be able to hold your nerve and play your best rugby for 70 minutes to come away with the points each week.”



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