By ANT BRAND

Ipswich Grammar School’s current standings near the bottom of the table isn’t quashing their confidence ahead of Saturday’s must-win Round Four GPS First XV clash with Churchie.

IGS sit seventh of nine teams after three rounds, but it’s not a true reflection of their calibre after strong displays against competition leaders Nudgee College and Brisbane Boys Grammar in the past fortnight.

IGS lost those matches 21-0 and 49-20 respectively, but fared much better in their trials in overcoming Brisbane State High 26-0 and Brisbane Grammar School 50-15.

Add in their Round One 31-12 win over Toowoomba Grammar and it’s obvious IGS are of far better quality than their current ladder position suggests.   

“We fought hard against both oppositions (Nudgee and BBC) but ultimately couldn’t put it together at key times during the match. We did not play poorly against either opposition but were beaten by two very good schools on the day,” Ipswich Grammar School Director of Sport Nigel Greive said. 

“The major lesson that was learnt (in those losses) was that First XV rugby premiership teams are consistent with their performances, week-in, week-out.  Our performances tell me that we have made significant improvements in recent years but still have more improvement in us. 

“It is hard to say at this point (of our current position) in the competition as we have only had three official rounds of First XV rugby. The ladder is even harder to gauge in 2020 as not all teams will play each other as usual.” 

IGS will likely face-off against a far more disciplined Churchie outfit who last week copped a series of send-off’s and sin-binning’s in their 38-24 loss to Gregory Terrace.  

“We are expecting to face a well-organised and disciplined Churchie after some of the lessons they have learned in past weeks,” Greive said. 

“It will be important to win this weekend to keep in touch with the top of the table and build confidence amongst the team before we get the bye next round.”

Just four rounds remain in the shortened season due to the pandemic, meaning IGS will likely have to win their remaining matches to be a chance for the Premiership.    

“Some results would have to go our way but there is still a belief amongst the playing group that if we play our best rugby we can win our remaining matches,” Greive said.

“(We have to) compete hard and put together a complete performance in both attack and defence.” 

Spearheading the side will be captain and fullback Seamus King-Smith and barnstorming No.8 Xavier Towers.

“Seamus has led from the front in all of the effort areas and has had a calming influence on the team at key times,” Greive said.  

“Xavier has really matured in his second year of First XV. He has led our physicality with attack and defence.”

In other matches, The Southport School play BBC, Brisbane State High clash with Toowoomba Grammar and Gregory Terrace face Brisbane Grammar School.