Offered the opportunity to host the crucial clash, the Wombats instead sent the match to Eridge Park, a venue Bowral has not lost at this season, including a 20-12 victory over Avondale in round 12. 

While acknowledging the challenge his team faces, Wombats coach Murray McDonald was not phased by the Blacks imposing home record.

“We passed it in, we just want to concentrate on the game,” McDonald said. “It’s a lot of work, you’ve got to get the boys to do those jobs, we just want the boys to concentrate on the game.

“We don’t think it puts us at a disadvantage. We’re still looking forward to playing the game, it doesn’t matter where we’re playing it.”

Avondale’s defeat to Bowral came at a pivotal moment in the season for the defending premiers. After an unbeaten 2017, the Wombats have seemed to lack focus at times throughout the 2018 season.

McDonald spent much of the first half of the year attempting to keep his side focused on the task at hand, but in the end, it was the Bowral defeat that did the job for him. 

The loss triggered a backline reshuffle, with five-eighth Silipa Tuigamala shifted to fullback, and fullback Antonio Ale moving into the number 10 jersey and McDonald views it as the wake-up call his team needed to appreciate the challenge ahead. 

“We’ve taken a lot out of that game. We reviewed the game and made some changes, our side was totally different to what it is this week. We’ve adjusted our gameplan for Bowral and we’re going to be at full strength this week.

“That loss did us a big favour. The boys are ready, our training sessions this week were awesome, they’re keen to go. Bowral’s going to have to bring their A-game.” 

While not willing to give too much information away, McDonald is confident his side’s attack will be more  varied than what Bowral saw two months ago. Avondale’s cause has been bolstered by the surprise return of winger Blake Spencer. After injuring his leg in the loss to Shamrocks, Spencer was initially ruled out for the season.

“Bowral know they’re going to have some big forwards running at them, and our backs are going to be ready to play. Bowral have definitely played well, their structure is solid and their line speed is good.

“We’re looking forward to it. If we win this game we’re into the grand final, but we also know we’re going to get a tough game from Bowral.”