By MARK CASHMAN

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.

IMAGE: BRETT DOOLEY / RANDWICK RUGBY