Bond University are headed to St Lucia for the latest instalment of their intervarsity rivalry with the University of Queensland.
The Bull Sharks have won two on the trot and currently sit third on the ladder. They will meet the Red Heavies in front of a vocal crowd for their first home game of the season.
Here’s the three things you need to know.
Last time they met
It was heartbreak for the Bull Sharks in Round 16 last season when UQ pipped Bond as the fulltime siren sounded. The 24-21 defeated ripped the Bull Sharks’ finals aspirations from their hands.
On that day Dan Boardman and Tyler Campbell linked up superbly in the 10 and 13 jerseys and will need to replicate that form when the two experienced players line up together once again.
Where it will be won
Sam Kelly-Knowles has been a strong performer since coming into the top side and understands the big step-up his side will need to make for the clash.
“For us this week it's all about getting the little details right and ensuring we are consistently turning those A-zone opportunities into points,” he said.
Bond and UQ have historically played a high-paced, entertaining style of rugby but for Kelly-Knowles, it is the battle up front where the men from the Gold Coast can wreak havoc.
“I think we have the potential to really challenge their set piece, match it physically and play a really hard game,” he said.
The flanker came into the starting line-up following the suspension of Connor Pritchard and admits it was an opportunity he didn’t think he would get after a long stint on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.
“I hadn’t realised what I’d missed until I was back out there and I’m absolutely loving it,” he said.
“It has been an adjustment getting comfortable on the field again, but the boys and the coaches have really helped with that.”
It’ll be a big day for…
Rhys Sheriff has quickly become a fan favourite around The Canal.
He will need to bring his passion and experience in what will be a big day for the front row in a titanic scrum battle against UQ.
Bond has been dominant at scrum so far this year and the forward pack will need to be at their best again, with Sheriff playing a significant part.
Catch the match at 3:05pm live on Stan Sport.
Game times:
Colts two: 9:30am
Third grade: 10:50am
Colts one: 12:10pm
Second grade: 1:30pm
First grade: 3:05pm
Premier women: 4:50pm