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Perth Bayswater are in a good position, despite losing their last two games, to pull off an upset win against top of the table Palmyra next Saturday.
While the Palmyra tight 5 did suprisingly well against Wests last week, it is likely to be a different proposition against the talented Perth front row of Dane Taingahue, Glen Nolan and Dan Kahotea, considering Pally only have one recognized prop in Rob Salotti, with powerful hooker Frazer Smith taking on an unfamiliar position on the other side of the scrum.
In the second row too, Perth appear to have the edge, with Pally's Andrew Turner, Elliot Stephenson, and Scott Turnbull still out, and Chris Rankin subject to a last minute fitness test for a knee injury before being considered to play. Perth's second row duo of Brent Murphy and Jonathan Stanley were in exceptional form against Kalamunda last week, dominating the lineouts.
The battle of the back rows should be even, with Pally's in form back row trio of Jerry Viriki, Tommy Ratahai and newly promoted no.8 Rick McKieth battling it out with Perth's mobile flanker Ben Todd and dynamic no.8 ( ex Perth and former Pally player) Gareth Cherrington.
Whilst the fowards will decide the amount of quality ball each team recieves,it is likely that the backlines will control the outcome of the game. Here again Pally will be depleted. Star 5/8 and unerring goal kicker James Stannard is out with a nagging groin strain for Pally, and teenage sensation, winger Ratu Srganiyaui is also not fully recovered from a pre season ankle injury (word has it that the Academy bosses went spare when they discovered he played 20 minutes of rugby last week, and have forbidden his futher participation until he makes a complete recovery). Pally's other regular winger, rampaging big man Nems Momo, is also out injured.
Perth's secret weapon on the wing, Japanese import Matsushita Kaorua has been in excellent goal kicking form this season, and has shown exceptional ability as a fast running, scoring outside back as well. Linked with brutal attacking centres Michael Lee and Shaun Tamehena, this combination should prove more than a handful for Palmyra's defence to contain should they get their share of ball.
On the other hand, Pally's tackling has been ferocious so far this season, a feature of their game, and last weekend against Wests they got good service from Jason Bourke at scrum half and Junior Grieg at 5/8, as well as Bev Tuquiri at fullback.
Don't be surprised Palmyra supporters, to see Jerry Viriki's cousin Ben play a cameo role somewhere in the backs in the second half. The nimble centre turned up last week from Queensland premier grade itching for a game and slotted in nicely into a lower team. I doubt they'll have that priviledge again.
All in all it should be a fascinating encounter, with the odds stacked slightly in Perth's favour.
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