By MARK CASHMAN

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.

IMAGE: KAREN WATSON