The Tigers were soundly beaten by the Redbacks last week in what can only be described as testing conditions. While the conditions may have suited the Redbacks style of play more than the Tigers it was obvious that Warwick seemed more desperate for the win and were far more the aggressive team on the day. I’m sure the Tigers coaching staff have addressed this with their players and I would expect an increased intensity level from all Tigers players this weekend.
The upside for the Cougars in this game is that they had the luxury of an extra weeks break and the Tigers may be a little leg heavy after playing in such conditions last weekend. The Cougars also hold the best form of any team left in the competition with only 1 loss in their last 9 outings and to make things even more interesting that loss was at the hands of the Tigers. The Cougars were 4 goals up in that round 14 encounter before the Tigers came home with a wet sail, stealing a narrow 5 point victory.
So if form is anything to go by the Cougars looks the goods. University outclassed the Bombers 2 weeks ago and played with skill and determination while the Tigers looked slow and disinterested in comparison last weekend and are harbouring a few injuries and lack of game fitness to key players.
But history has shown us that you cannot write off a champion as when the chips are down champions rise to the occasion. My mind springs back to the epic swim of Kieran Perkins in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where he defied the odds and won gold from lane 8. Are the Tigers in such a predicament, probably not, but they are the defending champions and as such should rise to the occasion.
With the sun god Apollo currently on holidays it looks like rays of sunfire are unlikely again this weekend and with a loss signalling no tomorrow for both sides expect to see a game filled with ruthless determination, predictions are this one will go the distance.
Last Modified on 11/10/2011 15:14
