Sean Hedger’s Shute Shield coaching career looked like it was off to a flyer when his side jumped ahead to a two try lead midway through the second half of last weekend’s clash against Warringah. 

But things took a turn from there. Uni lost their composure and opened the door for a Warringah side that loves to attack, particularly at Rat Park. 

“It was one that got away from us last week,” Hedger told Rugby News. 

“Our ball control was poor in the second half and we handed the advantage to Warringah. Then they were good enough to take it and capitalise.”

Hedger has made a number of changes to his side from last week. 

Former North Harbour lock Mitch Ryan will make his starting debut for the club. Ryan moved to Australia to work as an Oncology Nurse at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse cancer treatment centre at Camperdown and stumbled across the road to University Oval. 

In the backs, Simon Kennewell will also start for the first time at Uni, while Hedger has moved Will Goddard to No.12, Angus Bell to fullback and Henry Clunies-Ross to outside centre. 

“I’d like to see us improve our first phase starter plays, be more efficient at lineout time and show a lot more composure under pressure,” the coach said. 

Hedger said he was impressed with Randwick’s opening round win over Eastwood at TG Millner. Randwick coach Ben McCormack has made just two changes to his forward pack, with Oli Barden and Tom Sermon set to start at hooker and No.7 respectively. 

“We’re going to need to be up for it at set piece time, their scrum was very good against Eastwood last week. 

“The backs ran some nice plays and made plenty of line breaks, particularly Christian Yassmin. 

“They play a good field position game and kicked well from No.9 last week. Given the weather forecast, the team that controls field position best will most likely win the game.” 

Sydney Uni v Randwick

Sydney Uni (1-15)

Charlie Hancock, Ciaran Loh, Darcy Breen, Luke Ratcliff, Mitch Ryan, Angus Allen, Jack McCalman, Papilion Sevele, Banjo Travers, Jude Gibbs, Simon Kennewell, Will Goddard, Henry Clunies-Ross, Sepesa Loga-Tarogi, Angus Bell. 

Randwick (1-15)

Dec Leaney, Oli Barden, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Jamie Rickward, Angus Houston, Ben Houston, Tom Serhon, Saxon Gillies, Tim Sippel, Ben Starkey, Jackson Mohi, Nick Chan, Tom Maiava, Christian Yassmin, Ben Dowling.