NSW Rugby Media Release

Wednesday 5 August, 2015

The Intrust Super Shute Shield competition is down to the final four with Manly, Eastwood, Souths and Sydney Uni playing for a spot in the Grand Final.
 
A match-up between Manly and Sydney Uni takes place on Saturday 7 August and will be shown live on channel 7TWO from 2.40pm.
 
A cameo from Waratah Kurtley Beale couldn’t stop Manly from ending Randwick’s season, with strong performances from fullback Brendan Hartman and returning captain Matt Lucas helped the Marlins continue their success in 2015.
 
Manly Head Coach Damien Cummins knows his team is facing a tough opponent who has talent and experience in all positions.  
 
“It's going to be a very tough game as they have a lot of skill across the park,” Cummins said.
 
“A Waratah stacked front five, plus experience with Tom Carter paired in the centres with Jim Stewart and Tom Kingston at the back – we will have to put in an 80 minute performance.”
 
Sydney University suffered a close loss last week after blowing a 17-point second half lead against Southern Districts. The Students were the most in-form team heading into the finals, but the loss last week could derail their season.
 
The Woods beat Warringah for the second straight week at their home ground and this weekend they face Southern Districts, which could be the game of the round. Their two encounters from earlier this season were decided by a combined two points with the home team coming away with the win each time.
 
When the second half of their game against Uni began, it was obvious that Souths were in trouble. They were down 20-3 early in the second period but managed to claw their way back with a flurry of tries. A penalty at the final siren gave them an unexpected win over the Students, and a place in the Semi-Finals.
 
Head coach Matt Barr says it was his team’s defence that got them back into the game but is under no illusion they will face a similarly difficult opponent this week.
 
“On the back of our great defence and a few opportunities we created in attack, I was confident we could turn things around in the second half,” he said.
 
“We have enormous respect for Eastwood and developed a great rivalry over the past few seasons – we’re up against the Premiers at home and preparing and expecting for another great clash.”
 
Sunday’s match between Southern Districts and Eastwood at TG Millner Field will be broadcast live on 7TWO from 2:40pm.
 
FOR FULL TEAM LISTS CLICK HERE

Referee appointments:
INTRUST SUPER SHUTE SHIELD COMPETITION
 
Manly v Sydney University
Manly Oval – Saturday 2.40pm
Referee: Andrew Lees
ARS: Angus Gardner, Edward Martin
 
Eastwood v Southern Districts
T.G. Millner field – Sunday 2.40pm
Referee: William Houston
ARS: Michael Hogan, Ian Smith