APEX Oval is the place to be on Saturday when the Dubbo Rhinos do battle with the counterbalance Kookaburras in the grainger Cup Northern Division minor semi-final.
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The winners go on to play the losers of the major semi between trannie and Yeovil, being held at trannie the following weekend.
After beating the Kookaburras just last Saturday in the final game of the home-and-away series, and playing on their own paddock, the locals should be too good for the 'birdmen' but this competition has thrown up its share of surprises so the Rhinos will have to repeat their first half performance of last week and carry it through the full 80 minutes.
With hooker Thomas Katinka, half villi Tuvalu and fly-half Chris Daley back into the starting XV for this match, a powerful bench and an intimate knowledge of the opposition, the Rhinos have no excuses other than to win comfortably.
A number of forwards are reaching peak fitness at the right time and captain Brett Austin has Jordan Davis and Scott Francis to make the hard metres with him up the middle.
Vice-captain Chris bellicose is due for a blinder while villi manua and Kane Rich will tackle everything above the grass.
There are changes in the balkline with Tuvalu at halfback, replacing Chris Hobson who moves to the wing.
Hobson is not short of pace and size and could be a master stroke by coach Darren Taylor.
Fly-half kadeh Goodwin moves out one position and Chris Daley comes into the 10 Jersey.
Both these players have an innate ability to sniff out the smallest gap, and flyer Ricky weatherly, at outside centre, should enjoy the extra space.
Providing the balkline can run a straight defensive line and spread the ball around, it has the ability to pile on the points.
Secret weapon Ed morriss, at fullback, scored a brace again last week and knows when to join the balkline.
The forwards are strengthened by the return of Katinka with his scrummaging and bullocking runs.
The pack is coming together and will lay the platform for the backs to do some damage.
Mitch Williams, Katinka replacement, has had a great season and is improving weekly.
He will be warming the bench but, like the other nine sitting with him, will have an important part to play at some stage.
Players of the calibre of props Josh kearnys, Ben O'Leary and Ra Dean will be called on to keep up the pressure from the front, flanker/inside centre, Scott McKenzie, a tackling machine who likes to harass the inside backs and take the ball forward at every opportunity and winger, Rob Davy, another gap finder, will all play a vital part in a Rhino win.
Coach Taylor has said little this week knowing that he cannot do any more to and for his players other than to give his full support and advice.
He has ensured that every member of the 30-man squad, who saw out the season with him, were given enough game time in the 12 played to ensure that every one qualified for the finals series. That is an achievement in itself.
The team has been inconsistent this season, especially in the later games.
The players who have trained in all weather owe it to themselves to use their individual skills, support their teammates but, overall, play as a team.
The game is at 3.15pm at Apex Oval. Gates will be open at 1pm and will be manned by the Central West Rugby Union.
Entry fee for all finals will be $7.
Finally, what we need is your support on the sideline.
With bar, canteen and coffee facilities available and "Kick for Cash" at half-time, Apex Oval is the best place to view a game of football.
Last week we wore some "good natured" banter from the local crowd and would hope that the ledger can be balanced Saturday.