Vikings coach Sean Barrett is preparing his team for a hard-fought contest when they take on Kiama in the latest installment of the Black and Blue rivalry on Saturday.
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Having found himself on both sides of the equation, this is a rivalry Barrett knows well. It's one, he says, that is built on respect and a drive for success.
"The rivalry means a lot to both clubs," Barrett said. "They've been two of the most successful clubs, they're the oldest clubs going around. Throughout the '70s and '80s Kiama and Vikings were the top two teams.
"We'll be playing for the Black and Blue Trophy again this year, we've had it the last couple of years and it means a lot to people on both sides of the fence."
The two teams head into the match with momentum, with Vikings having defeated Uni 27-23 and Kiama overcoming Shoalhaven 26-13 last weekend.
Barrett was most pleased with the way his side defended in a physical contest with the Bulls and he reocgnises a similar defensive performance will be required if Vikings are to make it three on the trot.
"The biggest positive to come out of last week was our defence, they had a lot of opportunities on our line and we were just very physical.
"Kiama pose different threats to Uni, Scott Morgan at five-eighth can control a game with a good kicking and passing game, they have bigger, physical forwards up front and plenty of energy in the back row. We need to be more consistent and remain focused for the whole match."
In other matches this weekend, Uni will look to bounce back from the Vikings loss when they play Shamrocks, Avondale will make the trip to Shoalhaven, Tech host Campbelltown and Camden will face Bowral.
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