WANDERERS coach Dan Beckett has told stories, used props, conjured up themes, covered the dressing room walls in pictures of feral pigs and even tapped into the legend that is Rafa Nadal to hone the focus of the Two Blues.
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On Saturday, Beckett's message will be simple - take the emotion out of it and get the little things right.
The Two Blues enter the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union grand final against Hamilton at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday as underdogs.
The Hawks have won their past two encounters and have an edge on the Two Blues in recent big games.
"Playing your best rugby on the biggest stage comes down to doing the little things," Beckett said. "We have learnt that over the past few weeks. We put 50 points on an exceptional Maitland side in the preliminary final. We know we have some great rugby in us, which gives us a lot of confidence.
"There are always moments when you know you will be under pressure. It is about finding a way out of it and it's about finding a way to execute. We have spoken a lot about that."
Coach Scott Coleman has made no secret of Hamilton's plan to attack Wanderers at the scrum and breakdown.
"Blair Rush at tight-head is in for a tough day," Coleman said. "He has the hardest job and will be under the most pressure.
"In attack, they look for ruck speed and move the ball from side to side. That is all well and good if you are efficient at the breakdown. If they don't send numbers into the tackle contest, they are definitely vulnerable there."
Wanderers captain Ben Ham agreed that the battle of the breakdown will be crucial.
"We are all about good ruck speed, quick carries up the guts and then send it wide for the backs," Ham said. "We need more support to counteract their pilfer. They have some good guys over the ball. Tiueti Asi is a specialist. We need to run in pairs and secure the ball for Sinclair George (halfback)."
Wanderers are not without their own threats.
Fijian cult-hero-turned-match-winner Nimi Qio produced a brilliant solo effort to get Wanderers back in the major-semi, which they lost 34-19, and has crossed for 21 tries this season.
"He is their strike weapon for sure," Ham said. "We just have to go low on him. But in saying that he has really good leg speed and leg drive. You have to send numbers in on him and get him to ground as quick as we can. They play him a few times early then Luke Sherwood either goes across the front to Chase Hicks or play out the back to Tim Marsh and Luke Simmons."
Ham, an old-school No.8, admitted "it took me a while to warm" to Beckett's style of coaching" but he is now a disciple.
"He is a real people person," Ham said. "He does have some quirky things, but he gets the boys together and they want to play for him. He also has plenty of rugby knowledge and has designed a way to play that has worked for us."
Ham missed the 50-28 thrashing of Maitland in the preliminary final after receiving two controversial yellow cards in the major semi and knows how important keeping 15 players on the field will be in the decider.
"You obviously need a bit of luck and the ball to bounce your way at times," Ham said. "You also have to be on the better side of the referee's decisions. Discipline will play a major factor. Playing 10 minutes with 14 men or less could be critical in a grand final."
