There'll be no warming into this weekend's Orange City Rugby Invitational 10s, with Monday afternoon's draw release revealing the 2019 edition of the prestigious tournament will thrill from go to woah.
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Although a number of the sides remain unknown prospects, several of those tipped to be contenders will arguably face their toughest asks of the group stage in the opening round.
No more so than 2016 champions and last year's runners-up the Aidan Brice All Stars, who have been pitted against the returning Island Boys, a side that has always threatened the title whenever they've fronted.
The reigning champions in Newcastle Wanderers also face a difficult task in their opening clash of Saturday's tournament, which boasts more than $5,000 in prizemoney, after being drawn to face UNSW first up.
Jack Blunt Legends will take on Orange City in the opening round, while the draw also revealed the colts competition will also feature a barbarians-style side.
The decision to form the side was based around increasing the number of games, with nominated sides to supply a back and forward to the outfit at different times during the tournament.
The pool stage starts at 1pm, with the finals scheduled to begin from 3.20pm.
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