If the Kandos Waratahs lose to the CSU Mungoes on Saturday, and Portland wins at Orange, the red and greens are mathematically eliminated from the New Era Midwest Cup finals.

What does this mean for Glen Osgood’s Tahs? DESPERATION MODE!

The Waratahs will look to reverse a round four result that saw them fall to the students 20-18 at Diggings Oval and will have a home crowd helping them do so.

Orange and Portland are the two sides that have fallen victim to the Tahs at home as they’re undoubtedly stronger in their own back yard, registering a 2-1 record there in 2018.

“Coming out of that tunnel just pumps you up,” said front rower Nathan Annetts.

“We get a pretty good following at home and I think that away trip affects a lot of the other sides too.”

Most New Era Cup sides are in unison with their description of the CSU Mungoes – they’re young, fit and play as a team.

As for ‘Nettsy’s’ summary of the students… well, it’s pretty much the same.

“They really play as a team and they don’t have too many standout individuals,” he said.

“Last time when they played us they really muscled up through the middle.”

Annetts thinks the key to a winning result this weekend lies with their backs and the side’s ability to shift the ball.

“We need to be punching it up the middle then giving ball to our backs,” he said.

“When Ethan (Parsons) runs the ball he’s dangerous so us forwards need to give him a platform to do that.”

The CSU Students come to Kandos for a 2.30pm kick-off.