By MARK CASHMAN

Gordon crashed to their first loss of the season last Saturday against Northern Suburbs but Highlanders coach Darren Coleman reckons that good things will flow from that as the finals loom.

The Highlanders take on Sydney Uni in their final home match of the season and Coleman is keen to see some of the learnings from the tough loss to derby rivals Norths show out against the Students.

“We learnt some great lessons last week on how to counter a very strong defensive wall, ones that I’m confident will stand us in good stead this week,” Coleman opined.

“That is going to have to be case this week because we are facing a Uni said that looks the strongest they have been on paper all year.

“With five contracted Super Rugby players from this year in their pack that’s a good challenge for my guys.

“If we can match them there I’m confident our backs will find some space and break some tackles.”

The Uni pack does have a strong look about it with Tom Robertson and Chris Talaki forming a pretty formidable front row and in Josh Kemeny and Nick Champion des Crespigny there is an abrasive feel in the back row.

But Uni coach Michael Hodge was more concerned about the roles being executed rather than the names in the days before this one.

“Doing the little things well will be crucial this weekend, against a team that thrives on fromt foot ball,” Hodge said.

“It should be an exciting contest up front and I’m sure it will be a physical one. There’s a few new bodies in the pack, but they’ve all played plenty of footy for SUFC over the years.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge of taking on the top team on their home track.”

Coleman believes this game will be a great run through for what the finals will produce.

“Last week and this week will be great match practice for the playoffs so we’re expecting another strong Gordon turnout in what will be a good day out for the club,” he said.

“The round against Uni will set us up for a tilt at taking the club championships off them for the first time in 16 years.”

GORDON (1-15):

Brandon Faavae-Eli, Robbie Abel, Charlie Abel/Dom Hardman, Jack Margin, Brendan Mitchell, Mahe Vailanu, Tom Silk/James Lough, Jordy Goddard (c), Harrison Goddard/Jake Abel, Rod Iona, Ahmu Tuimalealifano, Tautalatasi Tasi, Oli Smealie, Reece MacDonald.

SYDNEY UNI (1-15):

Tom Robertson, Declan Moore, Chris Talaki, Oliver Atkins, Ratu Rotuisolia, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Josh Kemeny, Rohan O’Regan, Theo Strang, Stu Dunbar, James Armstrong, Will McDonnell, Henry Clunies-Ross, Matthew Hood, Tim Clements.

LAST TIME: Gordon W 37-29, May 4 2019.

IMAGE: ANDREW QUINN