The match was a disjointed affair, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm before Vikings ultimately claimed a 31-14 victory.

Patrick conceded his team was not at their best last weekend, but he's confident they will produce a much-improved showing at Kiama Showground.

"There wasn't much flow in the game last week," Patrick said. "Tech will be different. They've got some good attacking players which we have to be wary of.

"We've worked on everything we can, we've just got to go in there with a focus on Tech and really try and work on our game more than anything. We've got a couple of our forwards coming back, they came off the bench last week and did a good job in the last 20, so they'll get a start this week.

"It all starts up front, it's a flow-on effect from there."

Tech coach Tim Olsen agreed with Patrick's belief that the match will be won or lost up front and is preparing his side for a physical encounter.

The Tahs head into the match having claimed a five-point victory over Campbelltown last weekend and Olsen said his team is determined to win back-to-back games for the first time this season.

"We haven't won back-to-back games this season, and most importantly we haven't won away from home," Olsen said. "We're keen to put in a good performance against a very tough opponent down in Kiama and we're looking forward to the challenge and excited by the opportunity to win two games in a row.

"Kiama are always known for their bigger forward pack and bigger bodies, but they also have class and skill in the backline. Our forwards are ready for the challenge up front. We need to set that platform and earn the right to be able to play and use the ball."

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Saturday's clash pits two teams on the improve against each other, with both sides attempting to return to the competition's elite after a number of lean years.

For Patrick, he has been pleased by what he's seen throughout the opening seven weeks of the season but he also recognises his side still has a long way to go.

"We're heading in the right direction," Patrick said. "We're probably a couple of games away from getting back to being very competitive, but we're getting better and I'm happy with that.

"I always wanted to be there or thereabouts in the first round and then try give the second round a good crack. We're there, we're not coming last, which is a good thing, and we've just got to try keep competing."

In other matches, Vikings will look to build on last week's win when they face Avondale at Gerry Cappetta Oval, while Shamrocks will take on Camden.

Bowral will host Shoalhaven and Uni will travel north to play Campbelltown.

In positive news for the rugby union community, Illawarra Rugby president Peter Woods has been released from hospital and is recovering at home following last week's incident.

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