Minor premiers Sydney Uni head into Saturday’s qualifying final against Eastern Suburbs as short priced favourites.

Uni beat Easts 27-19 in round seven and 36-29 in round 14, but coach Rob Taylor said both of those matches easily could have gone either way.

“We had to work really hard for both wins against Easts this year,” he told Rugby News.

“They try to move the ball around and that’s something you need to prepare for. We are also expecting a bit more kicking from them this game.”

While Waratahs Jake Gordon and Paddy Ryan have both been named to start, the Students are relatively inexperienced across the park however Taylor doesn’t think that will be an issue on Saturday.

“I’m expecting big things from the lesser experienced guys to be honest. They’re quite a relaxed bunch and they’ve learnt some harsh lessons throughout the season that has made them all better players.”

Easts will play finals footy for the first time since 2013 but they also aren’t worried about their lack of finals experience.

“The players are all clear on their roles and they understand the consequences of their decisions and the outcome of the game,” Beasties coach Pauli Taumoepeau said.

Easts were thumped by Norths at Woollahra a fortnight ago in their last match of the regular season but have had two weeks to try and turn their form around ahead of Saturday’s must win match.

“We addressed the Norths loss as soon as we could and then moved on just as quickly. I thought it was equally important to watch it and learn but also to move on and not let it have much air time in our prep for this week,” Taumoepeau said.

“We can’t afford too many errors against Uni. They’re solid in transition and identify space well.

Our execution against Norths was poor and if we play like that again, it will fall right into their style of play.

“In saying that though, I still think we can win and so does the rest of the group.”

Sydney University (1-15)

Matt Sandell, Tom Horton, Paddy Ryan, Lachie Swinton, Dave McDuling, Nick Champion de Creispigny, Brad Wilkin, Rohan O’Regan, Jake Gordon, Stu Dunbar, James Kane, Will McDonnell, Guy Porter, Henry Clunies-Ross, Tim Clements.

Eastern Suburbs (1-15)

Cody Walker, Connal McInerney, Josh Toms, Ryan McCauley, Tom Staniforth, Tim Buchanan, Rowan Perry, Clarrie Moore, Jack Grant, Mack Mason, Will Paterson, Ned Yeomans, Alex Newsome, Henry Paterson, Archie King.