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The opening week of the 2015 National Rugby Championship ends with Queensland Country hosting last year’s minor premiers the Melbourne Rising. Join The Roar for live scores from 3pm (AEST).
The NRC introduced the Horan-Little shield for 2015, which sees the shield holder defending the title at each home game, or choosing to defend it at an away game.
As 2014 minor premiership winners, Melbourne Rising are the current holders of the shield, and have opted to defend the title against Queensland at the Gold Coast.
Should they successfully defend the shield, they will be forced to put it on the line next week at home against Brisbane City.
Queensland Country have two former Toowoomba players running out for them, with Phil Potgieter and Matt Gordon named. Country will also be relying on Taniela Tupou, or ‘Tongan Thor’, for the dynamic running that has made him an internet star.
Rising coach Zane Hilton plans to run a 6-7-8 backrow of co-captains Colby Fainga’a, Scott Fuglistaller, and Jordy Reid. However Melbourne will be without Lopeti Timani, who is unavailable for selection this week, and Nic Stirzaker, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.
Rebels five-eighth Jack Debreczeni is a player to watch for the Rising, with many believing he is a future Wallaby.
The last time Queensland and Melbourne locked horns was Round 9 last of last season, where the Rising topped Country 47-26 in an entertaining affair.
Prediction
Melbourne by 17
Preview provided by Isaac Nowroozi.
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