By MARK CASHMAN

As we head into Round Seven of the Shute Shield competition it’s apparent that impact off the bench is playing a major role in who wins and who loses each Saturday.

Warringah will unleash Maclean Jones from the pine in their match against Southern Districts while both Cam Clark and Pat Tafa will do their stuff for Norths from the bench in their game against the Two Blues in Camden.

The big TV match is the game between Randwick and Eastwood while elsewhere, Penrith will host Manly, Hunter Wildfires will play Easts and finally Wests take on Gordon at Drummoyne.

Here’s what the coaches thought about the round of action:

RANDWICK V EASTWOOD at Coogee Oval

Eastwood have brought in the “big boppers” into their side in an attempt to halt the undefeated run of Randwick in the 7TWO TV match of the round on Saturday.

In what will be an absolutely mouth-watering contest, Woods head coach Ben Batger has named Sione Tau, Tom Murphy and big Patty Sio in his back row and the plan is obviously to run at and tire the Galloping Greens defence.

Randwick’s defence this year has evolved quite nicely and it was on show in the second half in the win over Southern Districts last weekend not leaking too much, staying connected and scrambling well when the occasion demanded.

Sio has been sidelined for a number of weeks while Tau in his time in the Eastwood side has shown all the experience that he has soaked up from his years in the Top 14 in France.

As Batger reasoned the idea is to fracture the home side’s defensive line ever so slightly to give the Eastwood creative players (and there are plenty) the time to make a few plays.

“Randwick are one of the benchmark sides of the competition so it’s going to be a really big test at Coogee,” Batger said.

“They play a up-tempo game style with good pace and athleticism across the field.

“Flyhalf Dave Horwitz definitely pulls the strings which allows time and space for their dangerous sevens players while their forwards get around the field really well .

“You definitely don’t want to give them time and space so we have to kick well and limit errors .

“We want to match their enthusiasm and play a physical game. We have a number of big carriers so we want to test their defence there to give our creative play makers a chance against hopefully a broken D line.”

A complication for Randwick late this week has been the scratching of Maurice Longbottom with as groin niggle on top of Christian Poidevin dropping out.

Longbottom was selected at fullback for this game as the search continues for a positional home for the talented athlete in the XVs game.

I reckon that fullback is an ideal place for his talents as he can come into games when he sees an opportunity but that I am sure will be sorted as the season matures.

Tom Serhon comes in for Poidevin for what will be his run on first grade debut.

Randwick coach Ben McCormack said that Eastwood had named what he thought was an “interesting side”.

“Mozz dropping out is a bit of niggle but the key for us will be limiting the impact of their big ball carriers on the first two phases,” he said.

“If we can do that well I’m confident we can perform well.”

As the Opta stats have shown Dylan Pietsch has been among the Galloping Greens best and the accuracy and enthusiasm of his defence will be vital to keep the Woods behind their advantage line.

His wing partner Triston Reilly has been another to keep his side on the front foot and along with the sharp service of No.9 Tyzac Jordan they have been amongst the team’s best.

Coogee Oval looks an absolute treat and I am sure the quality of the rugby on show will be of smilier standard.

RANDWICK (1-15):
Jake Turnbull, Dave Vea, George Hendry, Tom Piroddi, Nathan Den Hoedt, Kyle Harris, Tom Serhon, Joe Feltis, Tyzac Jordan, Dave Horwitz, Dylan Pietsch, Kristian Jensen, Simon Kennewell, Brooklyn Hardaker, Triston Reilly.

EASTWOOD (1-15):
Willie Leoso, Ed Craig, Rhys Sheriff, Tim Anstee, Michael Icely, Sione Tau, Tom Murphy, Pat Sio, Matt Gonzalez, Tane Edmed, Tim Simona, Enoka Muliufi, Devan Stoltz, Fabian Goodall, Chris Bell.

LAST TIME: Randwick W 47-31 June 29, 2019.

WARRINGAH V SOUTHERN DISTRICTS at Pittwater Rugby Park

Warringah coach Mike Ruthven is expecting big things from his returning skipper Sam Ward when the Rats take on Southern Districts on Saturday.

Ward comes back into the Rats side in his preferred No.8 position for the game against the Rebels after having the week off to recharge.

He has been playing at lock all year and the extra work at scrum time has taken away from the enthusiasm and robustness of his running game.

Ruthven said Souths will pose a great challenge physically.

“Given enough opportunity in the right areas of the field can be very dangerous,” Ruthven observed.

“They have a well-drilled forward pack who are good at lineout and scrum so we really need to pressure them around set piece and deny them entries into our D-Zone to limit the impact of their maul and forward rumble.

“I am confident there is more footy in us and opportunities will come if we continue to work away.”

Ruthven is hoping that his side can take the chances when they arise.

“Our execution off the back of line breaks was much better last week so we will look to keep that going.

‘It’s great to have Sam back in his preferred position so we are expecting a big impact from him this week.”

Another big in for the Rats is the presence of Maclean Jones on her bench, back after Covid-19 closed down the MLR in the United States.

“Maclean’s in great knick and is itching to play some footy,” Ruthven said.

“His impact will be huge and having someone of his ability back in our group is a massive boost.”

Souths coach Todd Louden said the club’s depth and playing stocks would be tested against the Rats.

There were up to 20 players not available because of injury and concussions for the game at Pittwater Rugby Park and back rower Harry McLennan is gone for the season.

“But that gives the next guy a chance and as we have always said with a young and inexperienced group that was what this year was always going to be about,” Louden said.

“It will be a real test of our mettle against Warringah, that’s for sure.”

Max Freeman, a Souths junior, will make his starting debut in the second row while Jake Kay, the son of former Wallaby Peter, comes in for McLennan.

WARRINGAH (1-15):
Sateki Latu, Wes Thomas, Wayne Borsak, Andrew Davies, Alex O’Dell, Rory Suttor, Mungo Mason, Sam Ward (c), Josh Holmes, Tom Halse, Charlie Tupu, Tyson Davis, Seb Wileman (vc), Ben Woollett, Ben Marr.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS (1-15):
Andrew Tuala, Joe Cotton, Tim Metcher, Max Freeman, Jake Douglas, Nick Brown, Jake Kay, Clayton Cinch, Liam O’Connor, Liam Moseley, Christian Kagiassis, Viliami Latu, Nathan Lawson, Daniel Bell, Brandon Finnegan.

LAST TIME: Southern Districts W 36-21 August 3, 2019.

WEST HARBOUR V GORDON at Drummoyne Oval

The scars of the battle in the Hunter are there for all to see with Gordon having to rejig their side for the game against West Harbour on Saturday.

Try king Brandon King along with Reece McDonald and Brendan Mitchell will be missing for a few weeks but there is the depth of talent to cope with that number of significant outs.

Wests are on the menu this weekend for the Highlanders and they will have to be in the right frame of mind if they are to get the right result.

Gordon coach Darren Coleman said the injuries were just part of the cut and thrust of footy.

“It was bound to happen as we’d had a dream run to date,” Coleman said.

Wests will be a tough challenge this week at Drummoyne. They are a big team with a very good scrum and will be buoyed after their win on the weekend.

“Sometimes you just need to get that first win to get confidence up and go on and get a score.

“We’ll need to play fast early to trouble them and keep a good eye on their No.9 Dion Spice who I rate quite highly.

“He’s seemingly the heart and soul of their team and a good mind behind that big pack.”

Wests coach Mark Gudmunson said the win over Manly last weekend was a great tonic for not only the first grade side but the club as a whole.

“I think scrums will be a big battle for both sides,” Gudmunson said.

“We have got some good pay in this area over the past couple of weeks, so we will see how that goes and if we can get some again, that will be good.

“They are a team that likes to keep the ball alive in general play, so we need to make sure we lock that up.

“I see us being very forward orientated as always and have plenty of carries like last week.

“Manly were not too far off them the week before, so we should be right in it. They are really well coached and have Super Rugby talent all over the pitch.

“This is a great challenge to see where we are at and how far we have come.”

WEST HARBOUR (1-15):
Sonny Satuala, Tonga Tangitau, Cameron Betham, Etienne Oosthuizen, Jordan Sharp, Damien Flemming, Kaliova Nacina, Francis Iremia Saufio, Dion Spice, Patrick Pellegrini, James Turner, Tavite Gadeisuva, Connor Chittenden, Justin Tuvae, Josh Petero.

GORDON (1-15):
Brandon Faavae-Eli, Mahe Vailanu, Rhys Brodie/John Bosco Tagaloa, Ola Tauelangi/Peter Tagaloa, Jack Margin, Tom Silk/Jack Maguire, Jordy Goddard (c), Harrison Goddard, Rod Iona, Brandon Quinn, Tautalatasi Tasi/Ellis Abrahams, Lucas Price, Ahmu Tuimalealifano, Jaline Graham.

LAST TIME: Gordon W 46-12 July 6, 2019.

NORTHERN SUBURBS V WESTERN SYDNEY TWO BLUES at Camden Rugby Park

Northern Suburbs have welcomed Cam Clark and Pat Tafa from the Waratahs Super Rugby bubble onto their bench for the game against the Western Sydney Two Blues on Saturday.

Clark and Tafa have played little or no rugby since the start of the year and according to Norths coach Earl Va’a they are champing at the bit to play some footy.

“Having them at training and with the guys on Thursday night was great for the group,” Va’a said.

“Our side had been selected on Tuesday night so they will work off the bench and we are expecting them to make an impact.

“We’ve had a good week of training but having said that we did the same last week coming into the game against Eastern Suburbs and we lost.

“It’s up to the playing group to take the learnings from the week of training and translate them onto the playing field. It’s exciting to be honest.”

Norths have made some significant changes in their pack for the game against the Two Blues with the entire starting front row changed.

In comes German Haeffeli, Gary Bautz and Dewald Dekker and out goes Jack Brewer, James Margan and Jayden Lynch.

The Shoremen copped a bit of touch up at scrum time against the Beasties and Va’a and the coaching group felt that it was time to make a change.

The inclusion of Bautz gives Norths a bigger body at hooker and that will be important against a Two Blues side that has been making some strides in recent weeks.

They are coming off a bye this week and their coach Joel Rivers is not unfamiliar with many of the players at Norths having coached the club’s colts to a grand final a number of years back.

The Two Blues got plenty of accolades for their performance against Southern Districts a fortnight ago and will be looking to try and repeat that effort.

The key for them will be staying in the game until the latter stages, something that they haven’t been able to do all season.

This game is being played in Camden and is a Norths home game.

Norths have played there a number of times and have strong links in the area. They trialled there earlier this year and played a competition game against Sydney Uni last year.

NORTHERN SUBURBS (1-15):
German Haeffeli, Gary Bautz, Dewald Dekker, Dave Henaway, Declan Carroll, Brad Hemopo, Heinrich Brendel, George Murrin, Nick Duffy, Angus Sinclair, Reece Mau’u, Harry Burey, Nathan Russell, Tom Gilbert, Max Burey.

WESTERN SYDNEY TWO BLUES (1-15):
Jacob Delailoa, Nick Blacklock, Kalafi Pongi (c), Tuitakau Kioa, Emmanual Maliko, Sione Fifita, Patrick Searson, Peni Tuitupou, Liam Tully, Rory Garrett, Jordan Williams, Phillip Pale, Zac Campion, Taliki Nadredre, Robert Duff.

LAST TIME: Northern Suburbs W 31-18 June 29, 2019.

HUNTER WILDFIRES V EASTERN SUBURBS at Newcastle No.2 Sportsground

Eastern Suburbs coach Pauli Taumoepeau has warned his side that the trip to Newcastle to play the Hunter Wildfires on Saturday is anything but a “jolly day trip”.

The Wildfires may have had some points put on them so far this season, but they have always been a hard-edged side that is in the contest right until the final whistle.

Take for example the games that I have watched in recent weeks against Northern Suburbs and then Gordon.

Both Norths and Gordon came away from these contest with some walking wounded with the Highlanders needing to keep three normal starters on the sidelines this weekend.

“Yeah a trip up the National Highway is usually because you’re on holiday – we couldn’t be further from that. We’re not out of the woods,” Taumoepeau said ope where his side is at.

“We’re very aware that the Wildfires are a team improving each week in this competition. They’ve been unlucky in patches the last couple of weeks and we’re very aware of their threats.

“There’s a few key areas but one is limiting our unforced errors. Last week we built some good pressure and made some good territory only for unforced errors to kill the movement.”

That was in the good win over Norths, a game where they really needed to get points from or otherwise their season may well have been gone before it had even started.

“Every week, we have a crack and think ‘we are in this’, then it just gets blown away,” Wildfires coach Scott Coleman told the Newcastle Herald this week.

“You can’t fault our blokes’ commitment. They are competing hard and we are very physical. It’s just that execution. We are lacking a bit of direction.

“I can’t really put my finger on it. Hopefully we get through these next two weeks and we can come home with a bit of momentum.”

Chris Ale (calf) and Steve Lamont (concussion) will be available for the clash against the Beasties, while Melbourne duo hooker Declan Cox and Matt Dewar, a prop were strong in second grade in their first appearance after completing quarantine.

HUNTER WILDFIRES (1-15):
David Puchert, Phillip Bradford, Nicholas Dobson, Jeremy Burrill, Sevanaia Rokobara, Alec Corcoran, Shawn Ingle, George Noa, Mahe Fangupo, Michael Moloney, Rob Buserau, Taulogo Lalaga, Carl Manu, Nimilote Qio, Hayden Cole.

EASTERN SUBURBS (1-15):
Faaleliei Sione, Moli Sooaemalelagi, Vunipola Fifita, Jack Digby, Jeremy Williams, James Donato, Charlie Gamble, Sam Shires, Jack Grant (c), Cohan Guerra, Sam Fogarty, Mésese Tuipulotu, Henry Paterson, Richie Woolf, Daniel Donato.

LAST TIME: not applicable.

PENRITH V MANLY at Nepean Rugby Park

Manly coach Matt McGoldrick says the Marlins need to head to the foot of the mountains to play Penrith on Saturday with a self first attitude.

The Marlins are coming off the back of a shock loss to West Harbour last weekend at Drummoyne Oval and need a win to give their season a bit of a boost.

“That’s what I have said to the guys all week – we don’t need to worry about them. We’ve got to get our game in order before worrying about anything else,” McGoldrick said.

“Against Wests we didn’t exit from our half that well, our scrum came under pressure at different times and we just let them down the field a little bit too easily.

“It all added up to the final scoreline but what I must say is that the effort and the intention from our boys was there.

“We’re a little down on confidence at the moment and a win will certainly help in that department.”

Outstanding young backrower Max Douglas copped a nasty knock at training this week and will work off the bench at best against the Emus.

Dennis Pili-Gitau is another who won’t play on the weekend as he is managing a slight hamstring strain that he picked up in the first half against Wests.

“I’ve watched the vision from Penrith’s game against Warringah last weekend and they were right in that game physically,” McGoldrick added.

“Warringah scored a bunch of tries in a block and that just blew them out of the game score wise but they continued to knock guys over and played some good footy at times.

“At the end of the day we’ve just got to play better and as they say it all starts on Saturday.”

Keep an eye on the Emus’ Dean Blore who is making a pretty good transition from league to rugby.

Blore came to Penrith to play with some mates after all the junior league competitions were shut down in that part of Sydney.

He’s still learning his craft at flyhalf but as his coach John Muggleton said he would be better this week and even more polished the week after.

“Dean’s not been perfect but is adapting well to a game that he has never played before,” Muggleton said.

“We’re prepared to stick with him as he is doing some great things.”

Hooker Delahoya Manu and backrower John Tuivaiti will have to be watched with their turnover ability showing up in the Opta stats that Rugby News published earlier this week.

PENRITH (1-15):
David Tifa, Delahoya Manu, Macia Latabua, Sofia Funaki, Sevanaia Nadruku, Giordan Patea, John Tuivaiti, Matthew Faoagali, Terry Fanolua, Dean Blore, Jeremiah Fa’amasili, Luke Nadurutalo, Riley Alcorn, Jale Seninawanawa, Masi Fidow.

MANLY MARLINS (1-15):
Alefosio Tatola, James Hilterbrand, Conor Davidson, Van Stewart, Alex Dalzell, Harry Bergelin, Mitch Tye, Daniel Alley, Harry Emery, Harley Attwater, Fraser Toohey, Hutana Coffin, Michael Adams, Yool Yool, Jed Ibbotson.

LAST TIME: not applicable.

SYDNEY UNI has the bye

IMAGE: BRETT DOOLEY