RANDWICK have vowed to make Sydney University pay the price for their pressure-free run to today's Shute Shield grand final at Concord Oval.
The Students are favourites to win a fourth title in a row this afternoon, but Randwick coach Mark Giacheri believes they may crack when his side applies the blowtorch.
After finishing minor premiers and losing only two games all season, University had a bye in week one of the finals then defeated Eastern Suburbs in a second-half canter at Coogee Oval last week.
By contrast, Randwick, third on the ladder after 22 rounds, had to fend off a late charge to win their elimination match against Warringah, then come from behind last week against Gordon.
Giacheri said that experience meant his side was far more battle-hardened and had a sharper edge for the final.
"The last two weeks have helped. We have been in front and had to scramble and fight hard for a win against Warringah coming from behind," he said.
"Then we were behind last week and we fought hard. You could see the guys' will to win. It showed a lot of character. We didn't panic and stayed composed. That's important in finals footy.
"Everyone tries to get off to a good start, but you never know how it is going to go in the first 40 minutes. As long as you don't panic and stay composed.
"We have been tested in the last few weeks. That is where I think Uni really haven't been tested. Easts gave it to them for about 40 [minutes] and let the pressure off. Under pressure, it will be easy to see how they cope.
"We are going into the game pretty confident. We are aware of Sydney University's form coming into it, but with it being a grand final, form doesn't count for too much."
The final pits two teams rich in Super 14 and Wallaby stocks against one another. University's representative stars include Phil Waugh, Al Campbell, Will Caldwell, Dean Mumm, captain Tim Davidson, Daniel Halangahu and, on the bench, Jeremy Tilse.
Randwick will field the likes of Sekope Kepu, Adam Freier, Mark Chisholm, captain Stephen Hoiles, Josh Valentine, Morgan Turinui, Ratu Nasiganiyavi and bench player Ben Mowen.
Randwick, like most teams, realise the best way to make pressure work against the Students is to dictate the game early and stop them from playing with structure. But unlike most teams, they plan to pull it off. "They are pretty strong across the board - no real weaknesses. But we will be attacking them," Giacheri said.
"We don't really want to get caught up in a stop-start set-piece type of game, which tends to be the way they like to play. We like to keep the ball moving and just really attack them."
Giacheri also wants Randwick to re-assume the mantle of the premier club team after a gap of four years. They last won the Shute Shield in 2004, when the champion was determined by a first-past-the-post system. That same year, Randwick also won the Tooheys New Cup, defeating Eastwood in the grand final.
The Galloping Greens also have the opportunity to avenge their loss to University in the 2006 grand final.
"We have a very rich history, have had a lot of success and a proud tradition," Giacheri said. "We are not just playing for ourselves. There are a lot of people who have been before us, a lot of greats who have taken the club forward. We are playing for them - former players, coaches and our supporters. We are also playing for the community."
GRAND FINAL TEAMS
SYDNEY UNI RANDWICK
Jerry Yanuyanutawa 1 Sekope Kepu
Nathan Charles 2 Adam Freier
Laurie Weeks 3 Lotu Taukeiaho
Al Campbell 4 Steve Brennan
Will Caldwell 5 Mark Chisholm
Dean Mumm 6 Chris Houston
Phil Waugh 7 Rodney Voullaire
Tim Davidson [c] 8 Stephen Hoiles [c]
Nick Haydon 9 Josh Valentine
Daniel Halangahu 10 Tim Walsh
Peter Playford 11 Ratu Nasiganiyavi
Leo Afeaki 12 Dane Inman
Mitch Inman 13 Morgan Turinui
Ed Jenkins 14 Bernie Orbell
Nathan Trist 15 Matt Nethery
