Armidale Blues have experienced a flying start to this year’s New England Rugby competition with the side yet to post a loss.
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The ladder leaders are in for a formidable challenge in round seven when they face a determined Tamworth outfit, burning after a disappointing performance against the Barbarians last Saturday.
The last time the two teams met, in Armidale, the Blues escaped with a close, 19-16 win, thanks to a late penalty goal to the hosts.
Blues’ co-coach Luke Stephen said his side are aware of the Magpies’ desire to bounce back and land their first win for the season but they are determined to keep their focus on their own game.
“Without seeing their game last week, whenever you don't play well you always look as a playing group to rebound,” he said.
“From our team's focus, we just have to be mindful of treating each week as an opportunity to put our best foot forward. It is up to us to make the most of the opportunities when they come. They match up well against us in terms of where their strengths are against ours.”
They will head into the clash with a similar line-up to the one that toppled grand final teams Robb and St Albert’s.
“We are at full-strength, we have a few guys that are a week away with injury but other than that it is the same side that has done the job against Robb and Albies,” Stephen said.
“The only change, we have lost Riley Hopwood with what looks like a significant knee injury but the rest of the playing group is the same guys.”