Bond to pick fill-in flyhalf
BOND University could spring a selection shock in response to a hamstring injury suffered by flyhalf Dion Taumata during the side’s clutch Queensland Premier Rugby win over Easts.
The Bullsharks trailed for much of the contest at CP Bottomley Park on Saturday but drew level deep into the second half before a late pick-and-drive try to reserve forward CJ Taulepa edged them ahead 22-17.
The match had been branded a “must win” given Bond and Easts are squabbling over the last spot inside the finalsbound top four.
As a result of their triumph, Bond move to within three points of Easts ahead of their home match against lastplaced Brothers.
However, they are likely to enter the clash short on flyhalf options with Taumata’s hamstring injury compounded by a minor setback in Mitch Third’s recovery.
The situation is set to result in standout winger Hayden Sargeant being handed the No.10 jersey.
The Junior Wallabies representative was excellent in filling in at fullback while Joey Fittock was injured and he now may get the chance to show off his skills a little closer to the breakdown.
“I think Hayden Sargeant is going to step into that role, I’m not 100 per cent sure,” said captain Tai Ford.
“He used to play flyhalf.
He’ll be good.
“He’s already told me ‘I am going to have to be bossy, man’ and I’m like ‘that is exactly what I want from you, you’re running the game – be as bossy as you can be’.”
Ford added the heat had been on to perform against Easts.
“There was a lot of pressure there if we wanted to keep this dream alive, from last place to going into the finals and it was also Will Slipper’s 100th game,” he said.
The Bullsharks also clinched the Batty Bremner Thomas Cup that is contested annually between the two teams.
Top lock Angus Blyth could be back on deck for the Brothers game, which may allow Zach Moimoi to return to his more familiar back-row role given the form of young second-rower Kieran Van Brecht.