NorgesRugby.no met with Peter Burke, and he has much to say about the NM15s finale, and about the last game of the national team in Danmark.

Norway heavily lost in Danmark, it must be disappointing for you, what did the team lack on saturday?

Peter: “We were quite unlucky on Saturday. After dominating possession and territory for the first quarter we only managed to secure a 5 point lead. We missed 11 points with the boot in the first half which really cost us in terms of momentum. Defensively also we fell off too many tackles.”

Norway is now in a "perfect" position to get relegated, the game in Israël is thus crucial, what's your plan to bring a victory back home?

Peter: “As regards Israel, we're not going to panic. We've been focusing on a particular type of game plan, which when implemented, is producing good returns for us. We are going to continue to focus on ourselves and preparing as best we can. Obviously Israel will be a tough test but we are a strong squad and are very much in a building phase at the moment. I am confident that if we can get our performance right on the day the result should look after itself.”

This Saturday is the big NM15s finale. After spending a year in Norway, you have a good knowledge of Norwegian rugby, what do you think of Bergen RK (playing against ORK, Peter used to coach them)?

Petre Burke, Head Coach Norway XV Men

Peter: “Bergen are an outstanding community focused club. I have obviously gained more exposure to their strong culture and rugby ethos. As well as being coached by my national team colleague Karl Frisch, they also have huge backroom support from the likes of Gavin Collins and many others. As regards rugby specifics I know Bergen are always very well drilled at set piece and like to play an expansive attacking game. It should prove great viewing for all at the final this Saturday.”

Since you’re mentionning Karl, how is it to work with Karl?

Peter: “Karl has been a pleasure to work with over the past number of months. His greater experience of the Norwegian game has been invaluable. Karl has represented Norway at test level and I believe this helps greatly when communicating with players and gaining buy-in when implementing new systems. Karl has a strong background in strength & conditioning and is working hard to introduce a broader functional screening programme for all potential future test players.”

Back to the final. Since the pool game has been cancelled (Bergen RK forfeited), the teams have not face each other since the final in April, it might be difficult to define a strategy for saturday's final? What do you think Oslo coaches Andreas Fyri and Adam Harrington are preparing?

Peter: “To be honest I haven't been involved in the coaching of Oslo since August so I am unable to comment on the strategy being prepared by the coaches. In saying this however I think both Bergen and Oslo have their own specific brands of rugby which suit their personnel and rugby ethos. I don't imagine either team straying to far from what we've seen from them in the past.”

What's your pronostic?

Peter: ”Narrow victory for Oslo 12-10.”

Thanks to Peter for spending some time answering our questions. And good luck on the 29th October against Israël.