Tigers look to shake underdogs tag by laying down big marker against Scottish
There will come a point in the very near future when Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers are no longer seen as underdogs or the “surprise package” of the HKRU Premiership. That day will come, but not yet …
There will come a point in the very near future when Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers are no longer seen as underdogs or the “surprise package” of the HKRU Premiership.
That day will come, but not yet … and almost certainly not this weekend when third-placed Tigers host second-placed Bloomberg HK Scottish at King’s Park in the fourth round of the fledgling 2015-16 season.
Saturday’s other match-ups may appear easier to call – with unbeaten Societe Generale Valley hosting winless Sabre Kowloon and Natixis HKFC away to Leighton Asia HKCC in Aberdeen – but the Tigers-Scottish clash offers an intriguing clash of styles.
Tigers have turned themselves around this season. [They] have quite a strong pack, so we expect a big battle up front. It will be pretty physical
The rugged Tigers pack have upset the balance of power this season, notching wins against HKFC (24-16) and Kowloon (26-14), but an in-form Scottish outfit fresh from running in seven tries against HKFC last weekend are an altogether different prospect.
If there was ever a time for Tigers to lay down a marker early in the season it is this Saturday, and head coach Craig Stewart is well aware of the task that lays before his charges.
“It’s a big weekend coming up,” he said. “It will be important to control the game on our terms, getting our decision-making right. You can be sure they won’t give us too many second chances.”
The new Tigers coach has brought quality players, wins and points and a hard-working edge to the club, but the combinations haven’t always clicked and Stewart is the first to admit there is room for improvement.
