Sydney University out to defend title
Wed, 14 May 2008 11:37
The Australian Club Championship is to be decided on Saturday when Sydney University do battle with Sunnybank.
The clash will take its rightful place before the much anticipated Super 14 encounter between the Waratahs and the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, with the curtain raiser kicking off at 17.15.
The Australian Club Championship was contested in the 1990s between the premiers of the Sydney and Brisbane club Rugby competitions.
As the Australian Rugby landscape changed with the advent of professionalism, the annual clash slipped off the calendar until last year when the two state unions agreed to resurrect the title.
In April 2007 Sydney University defeated the West Brisbane Bulldogs 36-5 and on Saturday will look to defend the trophy against a Sunnybank side featuring a number of Reds squad members.
The students go into the match undefeated in 2008 and will field a talented line-up with the likes of Super 14 stars Daniel Halangahu and Leo Afeaki (dependent on Super 14 selection) and Australian Sevens reps Mitch Inman, Lachlan Rosengreen and captain Tim Davidson.
"This is an exciting match for us," said Davidson.
"In the Sydney competition we generally know quite a bit about our opponents, but playing against Sunnybank is a different challenge.
"The team is really looking forward to the fixture and we do not intend giving up the title of Australian Club Champion," added Davidson.
Teams:
Sunnybank: 15 John Dart, 14 Karel Bos, 13 Robert Lee, 12 Richard Kingi, 11 Paul Sovala, 10 Ben Gollings, 9 Sean Armstrong, 8 James Su'a, 7 Stu Killen, 6 Jon Dalimore, 5 Robert Simmons, 4 Luke Billiau, 3 Joe Tufuga, 2 Ole Avei, 1 Albert Anae.
Sydney University: 15 Lachlan Mitchell, 14 Alfi Mafi, 13 Leo Afeaki, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Ed Jenkins, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Nick Haydon, 8 Tim Davidson (captain), 7 Jono Jenkins, 6 Pat McCutcheon, 5 David McDuling, 4 Ben McCalman, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Jerry Yanuyanutawa.
Date: Saturday, May 17
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 17.15 (07.40 GMT)
With thanks to nswrugby.com.au
