Randwick v Eastwood – Live on 7TWO

Randwick were disappointing in a loss to Southern Districts last weekend but welcome back Waratahs forward Stephen Hoiles for their crucial clash against Eastwood on Saturday.

“We learnt a hard lesson last week about the importance of executing the games most basic skills,” Shannon Fraser told Rugby News.

“This week we have to re-focus our attention back to our own performance and getting our individual and collective ‘core business’ right.”

Eastwood have one hand on the minor premiership after Manly’s loss to Warringah last week, but can’t afford to drop either of their final two matches is they wish to finish on top.

“Randwick are a good young side that like to play with pace. They’ll be looking to bounce back after their uncharacteristic performance at Souths,” John Manenti said.

Jai Ayoub returns for the Woodies at flyhalf.

Warringah v Sydney University

Warringah proved they are a genuine title contender in 2015 with an impressive 29-24 victory over Manly at Pittwater last weekend.

Despite that, the Rats need to win both their remaining matches to secure a home semi final and will be looking to continue their good form against Sydney Uni this weekend.

“They get a few ‘names’ back this week, so there are some bigger threats but also opportunities to exploit the lack of continuity and teamwork that comes with playing together week in, week out,” Rats coach Greg Marr told Rugby News.

The Students were back to their best in a bonus point win over Gordon last week and look to be hitting form at the right time of the year.

They welcome Pat McCutcheon back to a side that now features seven players with Super Rugby experience.

Southern Districts v Penrith

Southern Districts claimed their second straight bonus point win with an impressive performance against Randwick last week.

New flyhalf Jordan McGregor looked comfortable in the top grade with Rebels coach Matt Barr telling Rugby News he was happy with his replacement for Ben Volavola.

“He’s a very similar player to Ben so that has made the transition a little easier. He’ll only continue to get better as he builds combinations around him as well.”

Penrith claimed their first points of 2015 with a 34-34 draw against Parramatta last week and were unlucky not to win after leading late in the second half.

Coach Teki Tuipulotu wants his side to build from last weeks performance, but knows it won’t be easy at Forshaw on Saturday.

“We are expecting a really tough match. They put Randwick to the sword last week and I will expect them to try and do the same this week,” he said.

Gordon v Manly

Gordon were disappointing against Sydney Uni last week but welcome back Harry Rorke, Ruairidh Wilson and Sione Ala for Saturday’s clash.

Despite that, the Highlanders will have their work cut out for them against a Manly side looking to bounce back from its second loss of the season.

“Manly haven’t changed a lot in the last few years, they are very balanced across the park and will challenge us in a variety of ways,” Geoff Townsend told Rugby News.

The Marlins were far from their best in the second half against Warringah last weekend and were made to pay in the closing stages.

They must now win both their remaining matches with bonus points and hope Eastwood drop a game to claim the minor premiership.

Harry Bergelin and Matt Lucas will both miss Saturday’s match.

Northern Suburbs v Eastern Suburbs

Norths missed an opportunity to move within one win of a finals berth after going down to West Harbour 30-29 last week. The Shoreman were impressive in patches but again lacked consistency across the 80 minutes.

“We’ve got to play for 80 minutes this week, not just in spurts. They are a well organised team,” Simon Cron told Rugby News.

Norths must now win both of their remaining matches to be any shot of playing finals footy.

Easts struggled against an impressive Eastwood outfit last week but are desperate to claim a win or two before the end of the season.

Darren Coleman wants his young side to improve their breakdown decisions and discipline this weekend and work hard to stop Norths ball movement.

Archie King and James Graham both return for the Beasties.

Parramatta v West Harbour

Parramatta rallied late to salvage a draw against Penrith but were far from their at home last weekend in the local derby.

Like their round 17 opponents, the Two Blues have been inconsistent throughout 2015 making it tough to know what to expect out of this clash.

West Harbour upset Norths last weekend and showed how dangerous they can be at their best.

The Pirates remain a mathematical chance of playing finals footy this year, but must beat both Parramatta and Souths with a bonus point and hope other results go their way to extend their season past next week.