Round 4 Preview: Glancy v Glancy as Woodville prepare for Brighton test

Fri, May 5, 2023, 4:00 AM
Rugby Union SA
by Rugby Union SA

Woodville coach Stefan Glancy won’t be giving away any family secrets as his Premier Grade side plot an unlikely Round 4 upset over Brighton.

The Tigers are short odds to topple the winless Wasps but there’s no lack of motivation for Glancy – he spent more than 7 seasons with Brighton and his son Sam is set to wear the #7 jersey against him on Saturday.

Stefan laughed off questions about the match-up but says he’s yet to jag a surprise win over his offspring since moving to Woodville two seasons ago.

“It’s great for me as a dad because it’s one of the few times a year I get to watch him play,” Stefan said.

“I won’t say much more (about the match-up) but it’s certainly a big game for us.

“As a team we’re starting to get better and really buy in – I think we could’ve won that Port game on a different day – and even with a few injuries I think we’re going pretty well.”

“All we can focus on is getting ourselves right, at the end of the day.”

Stefan was impressed by Onkaparinga’s performance last weekend and says his Wasps will have to front up defensively against the reigning premiers.

“Honestly that was the best I’ve seen Onkas play in about two or three years,” he said.

“They were strong through the middle and came through us easily so we ended losing quite heavily even though we did well during the start of the second half.

“Brighton’s a good side but like I said, we’ll just look to get our process right, work on our defensive structure and see how we go.”

In the other Premier Grade fixtures, Port Adelaide will be chasing their first home win of the season against Old Collegians before Adelaide Uni and Elizabeth host Onkas and Southern Suburbs respectively.

Meanwhile Woodville women’s coach Paul Smith says he’s pleased with the side’s 3-0 start to 2023 but knows they’ll face further challenges ahead.

“Some might say we’ve had an easier start to the year but there aren’t really easy games anymore – the competition’s improving every week and you can only win what’s in front of you,” Smith said.

The Wasps are tied equal first with Souths on the women’s ladder (keep your eyes peeled for their Round 6 blockbuster on May 20) but have a bye this weekend.

Port will host Old Colls while Adelaide Uni welcome Onkas in tomorrow's ladies fixtures.

Share