It might seem like the 2020 Shute Shield season has just begun but already we’re at the halfway point of the regular season.

As teams begin their charge towards the finals, we checked in with each coach to see who they think their team is performing and to find out what we can expect in the weeks leading to grand final day on October 31.

Gordon – Darren Coleman

After 7 rounds: 1st (6 wins, 30 pts)

How would you describe your start to the season and why?

It’s been pleasing and probably a little surprising considering some of the score lines. Five from five is a great start and we’ve been scoring some nice team tries in a variety of different ways, which is pleasing. 

We’ve also stayed relatively injury free and all the boys seem to be enjoying each others company, which is why we do it. 

We’re under no illusions though and know the tough work is about to start as we haven’t played a team in the top six yet. 

What have you done well so far?

We’ve trained well and reviewed and previewed each week thoroughly. The boys have taken care of their bodies and I think if you do the work – you get the rewards.

We’ve focussed on a few of the things that let us down last year. We fell just short of the playoffs in 2019 and I think we all understand why that happened. 

This year, we’ve been scoring maul tries and also playing out the final 20 minutes of each match. They are two things we didn’t do much last season. 

I also think our No.9 and No.10’s tactical decisions and execution have been massive and that has allowed others to show their skills.

Where do you need to improve?

All aspects of our game have had their good days, the challenge will be getting the majority of them to click on the same day against quality opposition under big match pressure.

I’d like to see us execute a little better at times, but every coach wants to shoot for perfection. Our task is to get closer to it than our rivals.

What/who has surprised you so far this season?

Rodney Iona’s game control and on-field maturity has come along leaps and bounds since last time I coached him.

Rhys Brodie has also been great. I knew he loved his scrums, but he’s been a genuine beast.

Maybe you don’t notice it as much when you’re winning but I have found the referee standards have been very good to date.

My assistant coach Liam Winton has only thrown one radio off the roof so far as well, which we’re all impressed with. 

Who is the team to beat?

It’s still too early to narrow down one team but I’ve been impressed with Randwick’s defensive performance and their attacking flair so that probably puts them as favourites.

The return of the Super Rugby players will change the competition though and sides like Easts and Uni will be incredibly dangerous towards the end of the season.

Eastern Suburbs – Pauli Taumoepeau

After 7 rounds: 7th (3 wins, 17 pts)

How would you describe your start to the season and why?

It’s been a tough start to the year.

In round one, we meta really good Gordon side and then in rounds three and four we weren’t good enough to find wins and lost both games by three points. 

Our error rate was far too high to expect to beat good sides. 

What have you done well so far?

Because it was such a big focus of ours, I’ve been really impressed by our scrum to date. We’ve been able to get momentum and maintain pressure on opposition at scrumtime, which makes a huge difference. 

Where do you need to improve?

Our unforced errors and turnover rate still remain too high. We’re about to head into a run of games where teams will make you very sorry for those errors or turnovers if you concede them. 

What/who has surprised you so far this season?

Jeremy Williams and Archer Holz, our two U20s players have taken their opportunities and run with it. Archer in particular has been very good. Both still have a ways to go yet but their starting point is strong.

Who is the team to beat?

From where we sit, everyone. Our mindset now is that every week is a must win game.

Randwick – Ben McCormack

After 7 rounds: 2nd (6 wins, 30 points)

How would you describe your start to the season and why?

It’s been a solid start from us, we’ve tried to play an up tempo and enjoyable style of rugby and I think we’ve achieved that so far. 

What have you done well so far?

I’ve been most pleased with our attitude towards our defence, but the key is to continue to carry that forward deep into the competition.

Where do you need to improve?

Our set piece has been good so far but it can never be good enough, we need to keep a good work ethic and appetite for improvement there.

What/who has surprised you so far this season?

I’ve been impressed with my whole group to be fair. I can rarely fault the attitude and energy the extended group bring to every session. Training is buzzing and people are enjoying themselves which is great to see.

Who is the team to beat?

At this point The Chatswood Crew – They’ve put together a very talented side this year.

But I think the consistent programs like Uni will be the ones running real deep into finals.