MANNING River Ratz coach Danial Stone has demanded a lift in intensity from his troops after their 42-10 thrashing at the hands of Gloucester in last weekend's Lower Mid North Coast Rugby Union match.
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It gets no easier for the Ratz this weekend when they host a tough Myall Coast side at Taree's Rugby Park.
A win by the Ratz will keep them entrenched in the top two, however a loss will see them in a dog fight with Gloucester.
Flanker Reece Holden, prop Josh Lambie (both neck) and second rower Ian Rogers (concussion) will likely all miss the match after picking up injuries against Gloucester.
The pack will likely be reinforced by Stone, who didn't play against Gloucester, and utility Mitch Carter, who has come off the bench for most of the year.
Clint Walker and Izaak Soloman will make welcome returns to the back line.
"It was just one of those games. It was a reality check," said Stone about the Gloucester match.
"We know we were flat and we need to be better."
Stone said that the loss was a timely reminder of the work required coming into the semi finals.
"A loss this time of year isn't the worst thing," he said.
"We know we've got plenty of hard work to do."
