Exceptional physicality can help see Ross Sutherland past Dalziel in Scottish Rugby National Shield in Invergordon
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Ross Sutherland coach David Gill believes the team can take confidence from the physicality they have shown this season ahead of an unknown quantity in the National Shield.
Last weekend’s 31–0 defeat to Lossiemouth was not reflective of the play, and heads have not dropped at Invergordon going into a completely different challenge when Dalziel come calling to Invergordon.
In fact, Gill says the Stags’ defensive displays have exceeded expectations by and large, so he believes that could become the foundation for success tomorrow afternoon.
“They’re a bit of an unknown, so we just have to focus on our own performance,” Gill said.
“What are we going to do when we have the ball in different areas of the pitch, and when we don’t have the ball?
“We’ve been surprising ourselves this season with some of the physicality we’ve had in defence. It has been top drawer.
“We’ve held out against a strong Shetland attack when we played them, and that’s quite character building stuff when you’ve got guys willing to put their bodies on the line to make tackles that really count.
“The physicality has been growing and growing, which gives you confidence that we can absorb the pressure when we don’t have the ball, and then when we get it back hopefully we can use it accordingly.”
One thing that nobody at Ross Sutherland can complain about is their home form, but it is a very different prospect facing them this weekend than they would normally find in the Caledonia North Two.
“The closest link we would have to Dalziel is that they’re in the same league as Wigtownshire, who we played in the final of the Bowl a few years ago,” Gill explained.
“They’re doing well, I think they’re second in their league and have had some strong results, so I think they will be a well-drilled team who will like to throw the ball about.
“Being back at home will be a real boost for us. We’ll be back on a bigger pitch, which will make it easier for us to throw the ball about a wee bit and create space.
“Hopefully our back line will be firing on all cylinders to take chances when they come.
“We’re looking quite strong in regards to availability, so we should have a fair bit of competition for places. Our Wildcats have had a few games in the last few weeks, which has added to the competition and can only be a good thing.”
