MOREE coach Peter Copeman reckons his back-row may prove the difference when the Bulls clash with the Red Devils in the Central North rugby union match of the year at Gunnedah Rugby Park on Saturday.
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Moree leads the Aventis Central North first grade ladder (39pts) from Gunnedah (36).
Copeman acknowledged Gunnedah’s strength in the centres but the size and experience of his back-row should prove critical.
“They’ve got a good side right across the paddock so it’s going to be tight,” Copeman said.
“I just think we might have the edge slightly in the back-row but then again they’ve got a virtual Central North front-row too.”
Gunnedah’s front-row of Anthony Williams, Justin Law and Nick Hannaford were at their best in Gunnedah’s 51-17 win over Pirates last Saturday.
Red Devil breakaway Pat Hennessy and number eight James MacPherson were both effective at the breakdown last week so the Moree back three won’t have it easy.
Copeman had to make one of those tough decisions that other coaches dream about last night.
With the NSW Country forwards Jason Webb, Anthony Kaberry and Damien Kelly back in the side, one of his nine Central North forwards will have to come off the bench.
Moree has eight zone forwards in first grade while last year’s grand final prop Brendan Adler has maintained his top form to keep Central North prop Jason Lincoln in reserve grade.
“Nine into eight won’t go,” Copeman said.
“But whoever we leave out will still get a run off the bench anyway.”
Gunnedah centres James Thibault and David Rose will be closely watched by the Bulls.
“Apparently Inverell was able to shut down their centres and that kept them pretty quiet,” he said.
In other Central North games on Saturday, Narrabri is at home to Walcha, Tamworth hosts Inverell and Quirindi travels to Barraba.
