Last weekend's round was cancelled due to the COVID orders in place, and according to Boars captain-coach Josh Miles, it was exactly what the doctor ordered.

"A week off was good to rest a few bodies, that's for sure," he said on Thursday morning.

The Boars had suffered their first loss for the season before the rest, coincidentally to Saturday's opponents CSU, and as any keen sport follower would know, sometimes that is exactly what you need heading into a finals campaign.

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Miles said that it will be a case of the side taking it's chances on Saturday; something it didn't do during the loss to CSU.

"It was a good win by them and they took their chances...set pieces were the difference and we just didn't retain the ball when we had it.

"Our approach hasn't changed at all to be honest though, our preparation is still the same and the attitude has definitely lifted," Miles said.

Attitude is often the difference between sides in the big games, so the chance for the mentality of the Boars to shift from the hunted to hunters (puns not intended) should help them guard against complacency and ensure that their running rugby style is able to flow on the back of some good momentum in the forwards.

Miles is confident the team can give the semi a good shake, with a strong team assembled for what is sure to be a healthy, parochial home crowd.

"Few changes in the squad and it's the closest we have been to a full strength side this year, even with a few boys out."

COVID-safe measure will be in place on Saturday, with first grade set to kick-off a touch earlier than usual.

2.45pm Saturday

Parkes Boars vs CSU Mitchell at Northparkes Oval, Parkes

12.30pm Sunday

Mudgee Wombats vs Parkes Boars at Mudgee Rugby Club

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