IN a performance which epitomised 'playing to your strengths' CSU blew the Mudgee Wombats off the park in a big New Holland Agriculture Cup win at home on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The unbeaten CSU men continued their dream start to the season with a 55-19 victory, capitalising on their speed to score a number of brilliant team tries on both edges of the field.
CSU hardly gave the Wombats a chance to get themselves set as they picked up their first four tries in the space of 25 minutes.
Regan Hughes was once again a standout for the students, scoring a hat-trick.
Coach David Conyers said the win was probably the most complete 80 minute performance of the season so far for his team.
"We knew Mudgee was strong in the middle and not taking them on in that channel was a big factor in the win," he said.
"To Mudgee's credit they've definitely got the strongest scrum in our competition. They took three or four tightheads off us and scored a few of their tries off the scrum."
CSU gave the Wombats' experienced forward pack the respect it deserved, weathered the storm it delivered, before stamping their authority on the match.
The home side shot out to a 24-7 lead at the break and didn't lose any momentum during an equally impressive second half of rugby.
Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here.
The students had struggled over recent games to stick to their game plan and avoid playing the game their opposition wanted.
That wasn't the case on Saturday.
CSU had a clear aim to avoid a rough and tumble battle through the middle of the park and Conyers said his side executed perfectly.
"We dropped ourselves to the standard of the opposition in the past but in this game we rose above that," he said.
"The game plan was to get the ball wide as often as we could and the boys stuck to that plan. We scored some phenomenal tries on the flanks that were well worked.
"The support play was just incredible. Executing what we'd done at training was great. We had tries with four or more offloads leading up to it."
Hughes was once again the pick of the CSU men as he carved up the Wombats defence.
Conyers said while the star centre was at his best, and doing so carrying an injury, there was an abudance was great support play across the park.
"Nick Plunkett played really well at fly half. He found the gaps and put a lot of guys in space," he said.
"Jack Keppel's kicking game was much better. His discipline when moving the ball wide was really good.
"We know we can play like this but we haven't been able to execute. This game we had a bit more of a relaxed approach, ensure they're enjoying their rugby, and they really took that on board.
"The forward play was much better. We had some great charges against a big team and that created the space for our backs."
The win keeps CSU on top of the table, a point clear from the Narromine Gorillas.
CSU now travel to play the Dubbo Rhinos.