Robb College are "clear favourites" to make it back-to-back premierships when they face St Albert's College in the grand final at Bellevue Rugby Ground on Saturday.
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So says New England Rugby Union president David Clifton.
"You only have to look at the results this year to see that Robb will start clear favourites," he said.
"They've won three from three against St Albert's this year, and had a comfortable win [over Tamworth] in the major semi-final to go straight to the grand final."
Robb have been the form team for much of the year, finishing minor premiers with nine wins and six points clear at the top of the table.
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Clifton also believes the extra week off will work in Robb's favour and they will be rested and refreshed.
Noting that it has been some time since the two university teams clashed, Clifton added a note of caution: "These two teams last clashed in May, and Albies have been building momentum, particularly in the last three or four weeks."
Not only will Robb and Albies collide in the top-tier decider but both their second-grade teams will face off in the decider on Saturday.
Bellevue Rugby Ground will not only host four grades of men's rugby and two women's matches, but will be the setting for a gala luncheon on Saturday that will feature Classic Wallabies and the Waratah's new assistant coach, Welshman Steve Tandy.
"We've had a great response and seats are filling," Clifton said. "But if you'd like to join us, follow the link on our Facebook page."
Grand final day:
10am: Fourth grade - St Albert's College versus Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club.
11.10am: Third grade - Glen Innes Elks versus Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club.
12.40pm: Women's sevens game one - Barbets versus Robb College.
1pm: Second grade - Robb College versus St Albert's College.
2.35pm: Women's sevens game two - Barbets versus Robb College.
2.55pm: Welcome to country and national anthem.
3pm: First grade - Robb College versus St Albert's College.
