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After being humbled by the Rising last week the University of Canberra Vikings will be looking to bounce back with a new look line-up to face the North Harbour Rays at home tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
The Vikings were decimated through Wallabies commitments and injuries last week and were no match for the class of the Melbourne Rising away from home.
Dan McKellar has made a few changes to the line-up including a new halves partnership of Joe Powell and Robbie Coleman.
Without Henry Speight and Joe Tomane the Vikings didn’t have the attack to match the Rising and may struggle again this week with Robbie Coleman having to fill the hole at flyhalf, I’m not sure how he will go but it’s an interesting move to have him there.
If the Vikings are going to win someone like Jesse Mogg has to stand up tonight and restamp himself as an international quality player.
Mogg has been lacking in confidence since the departure of Jake White from the Brumbies, and looks a shadow of the player he once was.
This game is set up perfectly for someone of his quality.
Meanwhile the North Harbour Rays fought out a thrilling finish with the Rams last week and have had just the four days to recover for this one which will certainly help the Vikings.
It’s the set piece that the Rays need to master if they are going to get the win in this one; it was pretty poor last week and it certainly cost them the full points.
I will expect the Rays to target Coleman at flyhalf and look to exploit the weakness in this one, however it will be up to the Rays to try and combat Fotu Auelua and Jarrad Butler who look dangerous in the back row.
Brian Sefanaia and Mali Hingano worked well in the centres last Sunday against the Rams and the Rays will look to these guys in attack.
Young Jack Dempsey did well in his Rays run on debut and along with Sam ward and Kotoni Ale will need to be on their game.
Prediction: Vikings are lucky to be coming up against the Rays when they are short on numbers they should bounce back in this one.
Vikings by 10.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.