The East Coast Eagles are looking to upset University in the semifinal of the Otago Rugby League competition at the Oval today.
The teams have met four times this season, the students winning three of the four encounters.
But the Eagles had a comfortable win in the most recent clash, when University fielded a depleted side, and the students have lost their past two games.
The Eagles have had a boost in numbers and an injection of talent after finding their feet in their first season in the competition.
Player-coach Dave Reedy will look to playmakers Hyrum Martin, Kieran Fitzgerald and Kail Spooner to lead the side.
He said he was confident his team could perform well and ''leave it all on the paddock''.
Reedy was wary of University's strong forward play and the danger of captain Dexter Buchanan.
University coach Ray Fitiao is looking to Buchanan to lead by example as the students' most experienced player.
Fitiao hoped the Eagles' outside backs, as well as loose forward Martin, could be contained.
Both teams suffered several injuries last week, which will affect their squads.
The winner of the semifinal is set to take on the undefeated South Pacific Raiders in the final next weekend.
Otago Rugby League: The semifinal
Who: University v East Coast Eagles.
Where: The Oval.
When: Today, 2.30pm.
- Thomas Heaton.
