Pressure? What pressure.
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The Orange Barbarians have stormed into the second week of the New Era Cup semi-finals after accounting for Portland in a convincing 36-6 thrashing of the Colts in the premiership’s elimination semi-final last Saturday.
Having finished the season in fifth spot, few expected the Barbarians to trouble the Colts at Portland, but prop Paul Rudd says his side was tremendous in its 30-point dismantling of its opposition.
So much so, he’s expecting the rest of the competition left – minor premiers Wallerawang, CSU Yellow and defending champs Villages United – to be looking over their shoulders as the Barbars come charging home.
”It was a really pleasing result,” Rudd said.
“It’s the first semi-final win as a club so another step in the right direction, but as a team we want more, the pressure is definitely on the top three having been premiers or grand finalists in the last three seasons but our boys aren't taking the opportunity for granted.
“We want to taste success at the club.”
Rudd believes a shift in focus has resulted in the Ben Gosper-led red, white and blues rocketing into premiership contention.
“Across the board the whole team has changed our focus and worked on discipline, which I think has been our let down most of the season,” he added.
Prop Trav Donlan was tremendous in the semi-final win, while fullback John Rose has rediscovered the form he showed throughout a stellar 2016 season.
While Gosper is no stranger to winning at this time of the season having been part of premiership wins with Group 10 giants Orange CYMS in 2010 and 2011.
Rudd revealed Gosper’s presence in the middle of the field has helped turn the Barbarians into a steely defensive unit.
“He’s led the boys defensively and is showing traits of a great coach and captain at the right time of year,” Rudd, also the club’s president, said.
“If we control possession and stay in the grind I think we can shake sides late in the games as we did to Portland last weekend.”
While, three weeks out from the New Era Cup grand final, CSU has thrown out a challenge to minor premiers Wallerawang Warriors for 2017 premiership honours.
In last weekend’s first round of semi-finals CSU was every bit as impressive as the Barbars, peaking at the right time of the season with its 58-22 defeat of cross-town rival Villages United in the main game.
After an even first half, the hosts ran riot in the second term to book a place in the major semi-final.