By PETER ROWE
Both Karl Harding and Paul Couch want to win tomorrow night’s second Cash Converters Challenge Test at Charles Riley Reserve.
And both know the game could be different to what we saw from last Thursday’s first encounter where the England Lions won 22-0.
Harding, Western Australia’s assistant coach, believes the key to a home victory is possession and completing sets.
“We only completed 33 per cent in that first game,” Harding said. “It was a disappointing night.
“Of course we wanted to win and we want to win this game, but full credit to the Lions, they had a game plan and it worked for them.”
For Lions coach Couch it’s about adjusting and making a few amendments to ensure they take out the series.
“Tuesday’s game offers up a different challenge but in a good way,” he said.
“We know WA will be desperate to win, and we have to be prepared for that.
“It’s a balance between playing and having a holiday for us, but we’re not being complacent. There’s still a game to be played.”
Couch said his players had enjoyed the last few days, on and off the field, but added that training yesterday was intense and focused on winning again at the home of the North Beach Sea Eagles.
“The players had a great trip to Rottnest on Saturday and enjoyed watching the New Zealand v Australia game yesterday, but now it’s back to business.”
And with a fit squad to choose from, the straight talking Yorkshireman has the luxury of making a few minor adjustments, knowing full well WA will be looking for redemption.
The game offers up a big challenge to WA as well, with Harding saying how disappointed they were with their performance on Thursday night.
“ I don’t think we completed back to back sets, so yes it was disappointing,” he added.
Forward Julian Wilson-Wyllie will miss out, suspended after his sin-bin in game one, so North Beach’s ever reliable Tom Fry is a chance to come into the side.
The squad trained on Saturday and will have a final run this evening before player-coach Delane Edwards names his side.
Fullback Kainoa Gudgeon, who was unavailable because of work commitments for the first Test, may come into contention, but Harding insists their biggest test will be to complete sets and work their combinations from there.
“If we can get that right and complete then everything else will follow,” he said.
“Of course we have a point to prove, but we will back our defence to do its job and we know we have the players who can perform.
“They (Lions) were effective in flooding our lanes out wide in that first game and they controlled the ruck, so we have to be smarter and have the right attitude both individually and as a team.”
Couch also knows it could be a different game, given both sides have now had a good look at each others’ style.
“We need to adapt and change a bit to exploit any opportunities that come our way,” he said.
“Credit to our lads for a great defensive display and when we had ball our halves worked well, but I’m sure WA will want to win it as much as we do.”
Tomorrow night’s second Test kicks off at 7pm at Charles Riley Reserve, North Beach.
