A dramatic clash is expected on Saturday as The University of Queensland prepare to take on longstanding rivals Wests at St Lucia.
“It’s an old rivalry, there’s a fair bit of movement between the two clubs,” UQ head coach Mick Heenan said. “It’s always a pretty willing encounter.”
The UQ Heavies currently sit in third spot on the ladder following a 39-29 defeat at the hands of Easts last Saturday but Heenan is only focusing on the positives.
“Our attack has been good and our defence, while it is a work in progress, improves each week,” says Heenan.
“Of Easts’ tries last weekend, most of them came from poor options from us in attack.”
Heenan is also looking forward to facing former Reds and Otago coach Phil Mooney for the second time this season, following UQ’s 23-19 win at Ballymore in round one of this year’s competition.
“We coached Queensland A together in 2003,” Heenan said.
“We go back a while and know each other well.”
The Heavies will also welcome back Australian Under 20s wing Lindsay Crook this weekend, which will come as relief in the face of a growing injury toll.
“We’ve suffered injuries in key positions,” Heenan said.
“The guys who have stepped in have been good though and sitting in third spot, we’ve set up nicely for the back end of the season.”
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