Sydney University Football Club are in the hunt for seven premierships as the Sydney Grade rugby union competition enters the semi-final stage this weekend.
First Grade could earn a grand final berth with a win over Manly at T.G. Millner Field tomorrow afternoon. Minor premiers Eastwood will meet Randwick in the other semi-final, with the two winners to meet in the Shute Shield decider at Concotrd Oval on September 24.
The students have selected a very strong pack for the encounter, with a Wallaby, Dean Mumm, and four Super 15 representatives – Dave Dennis, Tim Davidson, Jono Jenkins and Pat McCutcheon – in the ranks. They also have Wallaby Phil Waugh coming off the bench.
The backline features a mix of youth and experience, with old heads Daniel Halangahu at five-eighth, Tom Carter at inside centre and Nathan Trist on the wing, joining young guns Matt Schwager (halfback), Michael Hodge (wing), Tom Kingston (outside centre) and Bernard Foley (fullback).
First Grade are pushing for a recird seventh consecutive premiership, while skipper Davidson will be chasing a record seventh title at the helm.
Sydney University Second Grade will meet Southern Districts, Thirds will be up against West Harbour, and Fourths will meet West Harbour.
In Colts clashes at Forshaw Park, Sydney University Firsts will meet Randwick, unbeaten Seconds are up against West Harbour, and Thirds will play Eastwood.
