Hastings rugby captain backs his pack
Hastings Rugby and Sports captain Jacob Devery has heard talk suggesting tomorrow's Maddison Trophy final will either be won by his team's backline or the Taradale Rugby and Sports pack.
But hooker Devery, 21, doesn't buy into it.
"People forget our pack got the better of their's when we beat them five weeks ago," Devery said on the eve of the McLean Park-hosted 3pm final.
"We're just hanging out for this final after what happened last year," Devery said referring to Auto Super Shoppe Hastings Rugby and Sports extra-time 43-24 loss to Napier Old Boys Marist in last year's final.
Devery's side was outplayed during the extra-time period and he said this year's squad is more aware of what needs to happen should extra-time be required tomorrow. His forward pack has also worked on their maul defence and better body positioning at contact time - areas of play which let them down at times during last weekend semifinal win against the Texans.
Taradale Rugby and Sports captain and lock Andrew Gardner also didn't buy into the talk surrounding the respective teams' strengths.
"Both teams are pretty strong across the park and for us it's just good to get to the final after missing out at semifinal time for the last couple of years."
The 30-year-old who will be playing his 207th match for the Mighty Maroons also pointed out previous encounters between the two teams will count for nothing tomorrow.
"What happened previously will go out the door. Finals are all about what happens on the day," Gardner said.
"If we do the basics well and stick to the structures which have worked for us all year we should be right. We don't need to change much."
His team is prepared for extra time.
"We prepared to do anything if that's what is needed. I would loike to think we can do enough in 80 minutes," Gardner added.
He was in the last Taradale team to taste Maddison Trophy glory in 2009. Hastings Rugby and Sports have never won the trophy outright but shared it with Clive in 1999.
Hastings co-manager James Rosenberg said his squad learnt a lot fromlast year's loss.
"We've had one more season of footy and our young guys have learnt how to shut out close games. Our boys know it won't be a walkover like last time when we played them. We know there will be moments when our backs are against the wall," Rosenberg added.
Teams for the final:
Hastings Rugby and Sports: Jayden Rihia, Neria Fomai, Antonio Mikaele-Tu'u, Danny Toala, Mason Emerson, Jordan Thompson-Dunn, Connor McLeod, Eugene Sandilands, Fale Matamata, Emil Crichton, Jessie Lesa-Sipia, Danya Tulou, Dennis Tapusoa, Jacob Devery (captain), Jason Long. Substitutes: Forwards, Miracle Lolofie, Angus McGuire, Joe Taafi, Jono Makris. Backs, Folau Fakatava, Ausage Fomai, Ioane Ioane.
Taradale Rugby and Sports: Cam Robinson, Hemaua Samasoni, Ollie Sapsford, Nathan Ramsay, Majella Tufuga, Caleb Makene, Humphrey Sheild, Tom Williams, Iakopo Mapu, Josh Eden-Whaitiri, Angelo Mufana, Andrew Gardner (captain), Joe Apikotoa, Josh Combs, Jayden Walker. Substitutes: Forwards, Ian Rore, Jacob Ward, Trent Randall, Toby Single. Backs, Karl Hewitt, Dylan Ramsay, Brad Truesdale.
