RUGBY UNION
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Campbelltown's hard-working forwards are braced for a bruising confrontation with their Avondale counterparts in Saturday's heavyweight showdown at Campbelltown Showground.
The Harlequins have taken the competition by storm after spending the past 11 years playing in Sydney, winning their first five games to be occupying top spot on the ladder.
Avondale have been similarly impressive with four wins from four games, including a last-second 23-20 defeat of title holders University a fortnight ago.
The Harlequins received a scare last week, holding on for a 35-30 win over Shamrocks, while Avondale thumped Tech Waratahs 37-0.
Campbelltown coach Owen Gregory said the Quinnies forwards expect a torrid battle with the Wombats forwards.
"They'll probably have some good forwards and try to test us, but we need to stand up and make sure we do the job we've trained to do," Gregory said.
"We know they'll be a strong side. It's an important top-of-the-table clash because it'll help tell us where we're at. It'll be tough upfront, a real forwards-driven contest. Whoever gets over the advantage line and puts the other team on the back foot is where it'll be won and lost."
Gregory said the Harlequins did not take it easy against a Shamrocks side that has just a single victory in 2015.
"We knew it'd be tough but we just didn't know how tough it would actually be," he said.
"They had very good speed out wide which caught us unaware a bit and they're a very competitive side."
Campbelltown have suffered just one loss in second grade and players are keeping pressure on the club's first graders.
"They're travelling all right as well and that's a good thing for your club when the depth is strong and people are fighting for spots in first and second grade," Gregory said.
"I've got three guys out with injury, and they're probably due back in about three or four weeks, but it always gives someone an opportunity to step up and show what they can do.
"We're still growing as a side and it's very important that we play consistent rugby. That's our main focus at the moment. It's not about where we are or what we're doing. It's just about getting that consistency."
Shoalhaven should get key players back for their home clash with University, while Bowral would love to spring an upset in their home game against Vikings.
Last year's grand finalists Camden are chasing their first win in their meeting with Shamrocks at Camden Rugby Park and Kiama should have little trouble beating last-placed Tech Waratahs at Kiama Showground.
ILLAWARRA RUGBY
Round six
Saturday (3pm)
CAMPBELLTOWN v AVONDALE at Campbelltown Showground
KIAMA v TECH-WARATAHS at Kiama Showground
CAMDEN v SHAMROCKS at Camden Rugby Park
SHOALHAVEN v UNIVERSITY at Ocean Park
BOWRAL v VIKINGS at Edridge Park