Start well. 43 years of ruined dreams weigh very heavily on the souths players and fans. If we can go with them in the opening 20mins their minds could well turn to the game last year when they choked and we gave them a good rodgering.
But then how to do this?
1. Ball security. Absolutely key, has been sadly lacking in recent weeks. But limit these soft turnover.
2. Kicking needs to be spot on. Inglis needs to have his space limited, and you certainly can't kick balls down his throat.
3. Agree with those inside plays around the ruck. Pity Buhrer is out because his speed and footwork around there is great. To me this is where Killer and Snake need to be involved. Get them running back around the big men at the markers. Work over those big forwards and give them plenty to chase.
4. Meet them with Aggression. The Burgess boys are bullies, and like most bullies when on top they and then their team mates feed off it (suddenly McQueen and even Keary get in on the act). Give it back and they don't like it. King, Starling and Choc have to lead this.
5. Attack attack attack. No point being ultra conservative. I'm not saying throw stupid passes in our own 20, but when there is an opportunity back yourselves. We have to score 20 plus points. We have the best backline in the comp, Friday is the night to prove it.
6. Finally I believe with a smaller pack we need to use our bench better. To me this means getting JSL, Hasson, Lui, King (I'm assuming Lawrence and Starling start) to come on in bursts. Get them to come on and just go hard as they can for 10-15mins and provide lifts in intensity. Then the backrow of Choc, TRed and Horo have to play pretty much 80mins. And just tackle tackle tackle.
7. Finally finally, the backs needs to take a leaf out of Matais book. With a smaller forward pack we need a bollocking Steve Matai run almost every set from a back. Taufau and Hiku need to provide this. But Killer and Foz need to add a few of these runs as well.
