By Jon Geddes

THE Two Blues are treating Saturday’s crucial clash with West Harbour at Eric Tweedale Stadium as their “last hurrah” as they prepare for a three-way battle to snatch a spot in the top six.

If the Two Blues are to play in the finals they must get a bonus point win against West Harbour and then hope Sydney University defeat Gordon, without a bonus point – or they have a draw at Chatswood Oval.     

Rugby News can reveal at Tuesday night’s team meeting, the vasty-experienced Two Blues’ captain Nemani Nadolo gave his players an inspirational speech as they prepare for the weekend’s intriguing final round.

“There is no next week, so we’ve got to make sure we go out and put on a performance that we can be proud of,” said Nadolo, the Fijian international who has played in France, England, Japan and with the Crusaders and Waratahs.

“The way we see it is our last game and we’ve got to do everything we can to go out on a high.”

Nadolo further fired up the players by pointing out that rugby squads change from season to season. He said the guy standing next to you tonight may not be a teammate next year and this Saturday is potentially the last time you play together.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS   

NADOLO told his team teammates not to  get too caught up in all the various scenarios.

“When we start dwelling on things we can’t control, that is probably where unnecessary nerves set in,” he said.

 “First and foremost, we’ve got to win the game and get the four tries and the bonus point.

“Boys, enjoy each other’s company and next week is not guaranteed.”

A positive for the Two Blues is that they like to throw the ball around and play attacking rugby.

“In every game you want to go and score four tries, and this week is no different,” Nadolo said. “We haven’t gone away from what we have been doing all season.

“And we’ve got to make sure we are playing in the right areas of the field to be able to score those four tries.”

The team gained a lot from last weekend’s 23-12 win over Gordon at Chatswood Oval.

“I think any game you win away is a confidence booster, particularly this season,” Nadolo said. “And it is very hard to go across to Chatswood Oval and beat them on their own turf.

“I thought the boys hung in there and showed a lot of courage – and you saw the boys playing for each other.”

PREPARING FOR A PIRATE ATTACK       

WHILE West Harbour are sitting in 10^th spot, 10 points behind the Two Blues, they will provide a real challenge on Saturday.

Incoming coach Cam Treloar has turned the Pirates into a team with real character whose position on the ladder doesn’t reflect their competitiveness.

“Let’s not take away the fact that West Harbour are a really quality side that doesn’t go away and we have seen that in a lot of their games this year,” Nadolo said. “And they have had the bounce of the ball not go their way a few times this season.”      

The Pirates defeated the Two Blues 17-15 when the two sides met in round one.

“Whenever there is a derby between the Two Blues and West Harbour it is always a tight affair,” Nadolo said.

“We know what to expect, obviously they can’t make the finals, but they are not going to make it any easier for us this week.”

Nadolo will again be a key man for his team and is loving his switch from wing to No.12 where he has taken on a ball distribution role, coupled with utilising his massive frame for some hit ups.

The Two Blues will be bolstered with the return of fullback Sitiveni Moceidreke, a former Fiji Bati player who played at the rugby league World Cup.

When asked about his No.15 Nadolo said: “He’s been having a few big games and has really evolved his game under Sailosi (Tagicakibau, Two Blues coach).”              

IS NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS?

AN interesting sidelight is whether the Two Blues would want the progress scores from the Uni v Gordon game announced during their game.

“Put it this way, if you are out on the field and listening to that sort of stuff, you are obviously not doing your job or your concentration is not there,” Nadolo said. “And regardless of whether they say it or not, it is not going to change anything.”