Avondale captain Roger Cairns and Tech Waratahs captain Tim Olsen. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
ILLAWARRA RUGBY
Avondale coach James Patrick rejects suggestions the Wombats are fearing a fourth grand final failure in five years this afternoon at WIN Stadium.
The Wombats were almost perfect during the season, losing just once at home to Shamrocks.
But they were out-muscled by Tech Waratahs in the major semi-final and had to qualify for the premiership decider the hard way.
If there were any nerves creeping in, the minor premiers kept them well hidden in last week's 56-3 demolition of Shoalhaven in the final.
But a grand final is different. After losing in 2008, '09 and '11, the Wombats are desperate to claim a title.
Patrick is confident his side isn't dwelling on the past.
"All the grand finals we've been in we've obviously had a different team, so I don't expect any of the boys will be thinking about what happened then," he said.
"I honestly don't think there's an underdog or favourite. Even though we've beaten them a couple of times during the season, they beat us in the major semi. There was bugger all in all three games and I can't see one team going out and dominating the other."
Tech Waratahs relied on their powerful forward pack to overcome the Wombats in the major semi-final and Patrick believes they will use similar tactics today.
"They try and keep it away from our backs and we try and keep it away from their forwards," he said.
"There's a couple of things we've worked on and talked about, but obviously their strong point is their scrums and their mauls and their forward work, whereas ours is probably our backs.
"On the day I think it's just going to be who wants it more and who's keen to stand up and have a crack."
The Tahs also have plenty of attacking options out wide but their Wombats counterparts are the best in the competition.
"Sometimes during the season the boys were just freakish players," Patrick said.
"They just do special things - things you don't see anybody doing here."
Tech Waratahs finished second behind the Wombats and their experience showed in the major semi-final triumph.
The Tahs are gunning for their fifth premiership since the turn of the century.
Halfback Josh Darby will miss the game through suspension after picking up his third yellow card of the season in the major semi-final.
Wayne Bruton is the new halfback and Brad Viegal will start on the wing.
"Viegs can play halfback as well but hasn't done for a fair while," Tahs coach
Sean Filan said.
"He's just one of those old reliable players that we've looked to a fair bit this year when we've really needed him and he's always come out of the woodwork and done an awesome job."
Filan doesn't expect Avondale to be affected by recent grand final losses.
"I don't think it's going to be too much of an issue or disadvantage for them. If anything it'll probably make them more determined than ever," he said.
"They're a very good side and were all through the year. I don't think other factors will come into it. There hasn't been much between the sides all year and it'll be whoever plays better on the day."
While Avondale have two teams playing today, Tech Waratahs are contesting all three grades.
"Everyone's so excited, from ballboys to senior members ... There's just a really good feeling about the club," Filan said.
"We've spoken about a few different things we might do, but generally you stick to what's worked for you all year. If you start changing things too much that's when you make mistakes.