SRU Premiership Rugby at the National Stadium

For the first time in Singapore Rugby’s history, the finals of the SRU Premiership will be played at the National Stadium. It is certainly going to be an occasion with Wanderers looking to chalk up their 5^th Premiership title on the trot. Give that the game will be the curtain raiser for the Super Rugby Sunwolves match against the Kings, expect strong support from the stands to echo no matter the number.

Wanderers certainly have been the form team this season, with their brand of high tempo rugby sweeping all that came before them in league play. They did look to have some cracks in their semi finals against Bedok and looked to have been truly tested for what has to be a handful of times this season. Wanderers are certainly potent in attack, with half backs Damien Hoo and Syed both offering attacking options off the ruck. The men in white and black will certainly rue the injury to talisman Matt Humphries who has been in dynamic form in the number 2 jersey all season. Their scrum led by national team representatives Alvin Ho and Hassif has been nothing short of dominant all season both on attack and defence. That though was counter attacked last week by Bedok’s strong forwards defence. The backrow led by Captain Murrary Campbell will certainly need to be on their game to face a determined Bucks outfit.

Bucks have certainly all to play for, with a 50^th Anniversary year to celebrate, a trophy would do nicely with the bubbly. They upset the formbooks in the semis after a mixed season in league play, coming back to stun the SCC 1^st XV and progressing to the finals. Bucks played well in wet conditions then, which won’t happen with the covered stadium but they do have a very strong backline. Jon Barber has been steady in the crunch and dynamic in open play this season, being a great foil to Charlie Lambert to really kick start the Bucks attack. Their forwards are robust and will look to nullify the mobile Wanderers pack for sure. Their play against SCC was certainly stellar and they competed well against a pack that seemed to have the advantage over them.

So all to play for come 3.25pm on Saturday 4^th March. Gates open at 3.15pm – Will it be the club song of Wanderers being sung again or will Bucks celebrate their 50^th in style?