"We know what’s at stake": A Classic Do-or-Die Clash for 2s Colts Under Lights this Thursday

Ben Whyte

By Angus Hayman

Pressure. Rivalry. Redemption. It doesn’t get much bigger than this Thursday night.

East’s Colts 2s head into a pivotal Round 17 clash against fierce rivals Sydney University knowing their finals hopes hang in the balance. Sitting in seventh, just two points shy of the top six, the boys from Woollahra Oval have no margin for error. A loss would all but seal their fate, while a win keeps the premiership train rolling.

For coach Jack McCathie, the message is clear: stay united and embrace the moment.

“The chat is mainly around sticking together,” McCathie says. “The boys know that success isn't just a given, and if they can keep a level head, they can cause a dent in the competition.”

That competition is fierce. Sydney Uni has been a powerhouse all season, currently sitting second on the ladder with only two losses to their name. One of those losses notably coming at the hands of Easts earlier in the year. That narrow win, played in front of a vocal Easts crowd, is a source of quiet confidence heading into Thursday.

“We feel good knowing we edged them out last time,” McCathie says. “A lot of our boys live out at Sydney Uni, so it’s always a special occasion for them. There’s always a special feeling about being tainted as an underdog in these games.”

Jack McCathie

That rivalry has intensified over the past decade. Easts v Sydney Uni has become the defining fixture of modern-day Colts rugby. It’s more than just two strong clubs meeting their pride, history, and bragging rights over the blokes you live with.

For Easts 2s Colts, there is even more weight looming on this fixture as they have become the sole side at the rugby club to currently be sitting outside the finals picture.

“Absolutely, there’s pressure,” McCathie admits. “But the reason people sign up to play footy is to play in a high-pressure environment, and this week is the pinnacle of that.”

Flanker Ben Whyte, a key figure in the side’s campaign, echoes that sentiment. He’s lived through the highs and lows of this season and knows what’s on the line.

“It’s definitely been a bit of a rollercoaster,” Whyte says. “We’ve had games where everything just clicked, the energy was up, and we played the brand of footy we know we’re capable of. But there’ve also been times when we were a step off the pace. It’s frustrating, but those moments have sparked honest conversations. They’ve kept us focused.”

Whyte says the training intensity has noticeably lifted over the past fortnight. With two games left, the entire group has homed in on one shared goal: earn their place in finals footy.

“There’s definitely urgency around the club. Everyone knows what’s at stake, and no one wants to look back with regret. These last two games are everything for us.”

 And then, there’s the spectacle. Thursday night lights. Sydney Uni No.2 Oval. A raucous crowd. All the ingredients for a rugby classic.

“This Thursday night's clash is as big as it gets,” Whyte says. “There’s definitely a mix of nerves and excitement. But it’s the good kind and the kind that gets you up and about. It’s an opportunity to show what we can really do as a team.”

Kick-off is set for 6:25pm, and those in red, white, and blue are being urged to make the short trip down City Road to turn the ground into a cauldron. A strong showing off the field could make all the difference on it. 

No one’s pretending the task is easy. Uni are polished, experienced, and play at a relentless pace. But Easts have already proven they can match them and more. 

“They just want to win,” McCathie says. “Not because it’s against an ex-Easts coach. Not because it’s Uni. But because they want to keep pushing for a finals spot and add value to the Club Championship.” 

Thursday night is a gold old-fashioned do-or-die. See you there.