THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

Rugby: Donaldson believes in Currie's game plan

Published Date: 30 April 2010
By COLIN RENTON
CURRIE coach Ally Donaldson will urge his men to stick to the game plan that has steered them to within striking distance of the silverware when they face title holders Ayr in tomorrow's Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership showdown at Malleny Park at 3pm.
Looking ahead to the most eagerly-awaited encounter of the season between the country's two outstanding teams and a perfect showcase for club rugby, Donaldson said: "Ayr are a solid all-round team. I saw them in the first half of the cup final and what I saw won't change the way we approach the game – it just confirmed a few things. They are strong from 1 to 15, although they have some areas that are stronger than others."

The men from Burns country inflicted Currie's only league defeat of the campaign so far when they posted a 21-7 win at Millbrae last November – Ayr having already gone down against Dundee High.

Donaldson has consigned that encounter to history although he admits that lessons were learned from it.

"We need to do some things better rather than change what we did. It was a bad day for us. We lost Andy Binikos with a broken leg after 15 minutes," he added. "But, this time we are at Malleny Park, which is important for us."

Since then, both sides have seen off all comers, with tomorrow's hosts particularly impressive as a points difference that is 291 better than their rivals testifies. And the tension has been building at Currie for several weeks.

"Everyone is obviously excited about this game. It's been a long time coming," added Donaldson. "We had hoped somebody might do us a favour by beating Ayr along the way but that hasn't happened.

"But it's great for both teams that we have arrived here and we are neck and neck. And it's great for the Premiership that it has worked out this way for the two teams. This game has been talked about for such a long time as a league decider."

Currie's success this season has been built largely on consistence of selection. However, Donaldson has faced some issues this week, with six of his players unable to train on Tuesday. However, regular starters James Taggart and Mark Cairns, who were stuck abroad by the recent volcanic ash cloud problems, are available. And, with Binikos also likely to be at Donaldson's disposal – the squad will be finalised following late fitness assessments – the home side will go into the match with a starting line-up that is close to full strength and with confidence high.

Donaldson took particular satisfaction from the efforts of his players in last Saturday's 42-22 win away to Selkirk, saying: "That was good preparation for us because it was a very physical game and it was really tight. There aren't many teams that would have won down there the way they played."

Ayr coach Kenny Murray insists the current champions are underdogs. "This week is another cup final for us against the most consistent team in the league this year," he said. "Home advantage and excellent recent performances will make Currie favourites for this game and we will have to put in our best performance of the season to win."

He is quick to issue a reminder that nothing will be settled tomorrow with Ayr still facing matches away to Heriot's and Selkirk, while Currie also still face a trip to play Glasgow Hawks.

Donaldson agreed with his counterpart's assessment of the fixture. "Whoever wins the game will certainly be in pole position and will have a fantastic chance of winning the title."

"If Hawks beat us they will be in the B&I Cup," he added. "They are hard to beat at the best of times. Everybody keeps referring to it as the decider but I'm sure (Hawks and Heriot's coaches) Peter Wright and Bob McKillop won't see it that way although, for whoever wins, it's a huge step."

This article was posted on 30-Apr-2010, 11:01 by Hugh Barrow.