By MARK CASHMAN

There would have been some frank and earnest conversation this week at Latham Park as Randwick prepared to take on minor premiers Gordon in the first week of Shute Shield finals on Saturday.

The Galloping Greens leaked 81 points against Eastern Suburbs last weekend at Woollahra Oval and if you were framing a betting market for the first week of finals you would have them at triple figure odds to be alive after this weekend.

“There are no magic potions mate but you will see a different attitude towards the collision against Gordon,” Randwick coach Ben McCormack said.

“Last week we desperately chased tries when we were behind, which was why the score blew out.

“We didn’t focus on stemming the bleeding first. I don’t think you’ll ever see a repeat of that from this group.

“Gordon deserve to be heavy favourites – they’ve assembled a very talented group of players and have been delivering a well-designed game plan.

“So we’ll need to take them away from their structured set plays and get them deep into some multiphase footy where they won’t be so comfortable.”

And to add what was unsaid by McCormack, make those first up tackles from minute one right through until minute 80.

The only changes that the Wicks have made to their starting XV is the return of Mitch Short at scrum half and Maurice Longbottom at fullback.

That will add experience and some speed and unpredictability at the back.

Gordon will be missing their hooker/backrower Mahe Vailanu who was blue carded in the game against Eastwood last weekend.

But there is depth at the Highlanders and they will have Wallaby Jack Dempsey in the run on side.

“Not having Mahe of course is a loss. He’s been close to if not our best over the course of the season,” Gordon coach Darren Coleman said.

“But we’ve dealt with injuries and rotations all season. We have a deep squad.

“Brendan Mitchell comes in who has been a big part of our last two years and expecting Jack Dempsey after his first start last week to assimilate better this week and show his class.

“Being minor premiers carries some sort of favouritism but we are under no under illusions as to how good Randwick will be.

“They have strike power right thru their backline, a lineout that is close to best in comp and a scrum that dominated us last start and not that long ago they were comp favourites.

“Our challenge will be matching their energy and desperation – a team trying to restore pride and play for their survival will be desperate.”

GORDON (1-15):

Brandon Faavae-Eli, Robbie Abel, Charlie Abel, Jack Margin, Brendan Mitchell, Jack Dempsey/James Lough, Tom Silk, Jordy Goddard (c), Harrison Goddard, Rod Iona, Ahmu Tuimalealifano, Joey Walton, Tautalatasi Tasi, Oli Smeallie, Reece MacDonald.

RANDWICK (1-15):

Jake Turnbull, Dave Vea, George Hendry, Nathan Den Hoedt, Tom Nowlan, Tom Piroddi, Christian Poidevin, Jeral Skleton, Mitch Short, Ben Donaldson, Brooklyn Hardaker, Dave Horwitz, Triston Reilly, Locky Miller, Maurice Longbottom.

IMAGE: ANDREW QUINN / GORDON RUGBY