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Winnipeg Blue Bombers don’t see playoff inexperience as a disadvantage

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers practice at Investors Group Field on Wednesday. Mike Arsenault / Global News

WINNIPEG — They’re known as the Blue and Gold. But the team is also green.

When it comes to playoff experience, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers don’t have much of it.

“It’s tough to get in there and it’s tough to be competitive,” said Bombers running back Andrew Harris.

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Sunday’s CFL West Division Semi-Final against the BC Lions will mark the club’s first playoff game since 2011.

“The magnitude is not lost on (the players),” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea. “But it’s certainly not overwhelming.”

A good thing since they don’t need any more distractions. Just a quarter of the team’s roster has previously played in the post-season.

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“The only way to get experience is to get in there and do it,” said Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols. “You don’t realize how big the moment is. You go out there and just play football.”

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To brace for BC, the Bombers have hiked their preparations.

“You just do a little bit more and that will add up,” said Bombers defensive lineman Jamaal Westerman. “You don’t want to completely change what got you here.”

Even if the other team is a little intimidating. Lions head coach Wally Buono has won five Grey Cups along the sidelines. The Bombers bench boss, on the other hand, will be making his playoff debut.

“I think you’re always growing in this business,” said O’Shea. “I don’t think you’re ever going to learn enough. When you think you know it all, you should quit.”

Winnipeggers are just hoping he doesn’t throw in the towel this weekend.

WATCH: Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea’s daily media briefing

Click to play video: 'RAW: Blue Bombers Mike O’Shea – Nov. 9'
RAW: Blue Bombers Mike O’Shea – Nov. 9

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