WFR News - Blades Prepare for Final

The Perthshire Blades arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday evening ahead of the Grand Final against the Hawkes Bay Magpies. Despite coming in to the biggest game of the season with a 100% record, their coach is cautious, "We have improved as the season has progressed, and we've probably been playing our best rugby over the last 3 or 4 weeks. But we know that form goes out the window in a one-off game like this - it's all going to come down to the 80 minutes - what's gone before doesn't really come in to it any more. We think that the battle at the breakdown will be key. I'm sure both sides will have chances during the game, and it's important for us that we are clinical when we get these opportunities. It should be a cracking game. The Magpies have been impressive over the last 3 weeks, and we will have to perform at the top of our game." The Blades have had some recent injury concerns, and Max Evans has been ruled out as a result of a knock picked up against the Tigers. It is uncertain whether Mike Blair will start the game as he has been sidelined for the last 2 weeks. There will need to be some re-shuffling in the back division, and there is no doubt that the loss of Evans will be a blow to the Blades. "I'm really disappointed for Max as he's made a massive contribution to get us here, but we do have a number of good options open to us with Tuqiri, Lawrence, Tuitavake and the Lamont brothers all fairly interchangeable." The forwards look like they will be unchanged, although Sergio Parisse has been pushing very hard over the last few weeks for a starting place." According a press spokesman, the Blades will only be undertaking very light training leading up to the game. Most of the preparation has been tactical, and also making sure that the players are mentally prepared for what could be the biggest game in their careers. There is expected to be a big Scottish support in Tokyo, not just from Perthsire but from other parts of the country as well.