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NSW Country Eagles vs Perth Spirit highlights: Eagles win 48-24

The NRC is a vital pathway, but it can't come at the expense of viable Super Rugby franchises. (Photo Karen Watson)
Roar Guru
23rd September, 2016
10

Match result:

The NSW Country Eagles soared to another win in their so-far unbeaten streak in this year’s NRC competition, doubling the score of their opponents, Perth Spirit.

Final score
NSW Country Eagles 48
Perth Spirit 24

Match preview:

The New South Wales Country Eagles will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the 2016 NRC season when they face Perth Spirit.

Sitting four points clear with four straight NRC wins, the NSW Country Eagles have exceeded all expectations so far this season.

Coming off a 20-point win over the Sydney Rays to remain the only unbeaten side, the Country Eagles are well on their way to finishing the competition on top.

However, the Country Eagles are still without Andrew Kellaway, and will also be without Tolu Latu, who will be on Wallabies duty.

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Folau Fa’ainga is set to start for the first time this season, moving Carrie Moore onto the bench.

Coming off a 30-point win over Queensland Country in a high-scoring affair, Perth Spirit have finally fought their way back into the top four.

Ben McCalman and Manihera Eden will both get to start for the Spirit again, and they will be joined by Ross Haylett-Petty who played an hour off the bench against Country.

However, scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens will not be making an appearance.

The last time the Country Eagles and the Spirit locked horns was in the 2015 season. The Spirit opened up as favourites, but suffered a close three-point loss in a thrilling affair.

Prediction
This time around the Country Eagles are the favourites, and playing consistent rugby. This season, we don’t know what to expect from the Spirit, but if they’ll need to bring their A-game to get the job done in Sydney.

Country Eagles by 5

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Kick-off: 1pm AEST
Venue: Concord Oval, Sydney
Table position: Country Eagles first, Spirit fourth
Last meeting: Perth Spirit 29 – 32 NSW Country Eagles

NSW COUNTRY (1-15): Paddy Ryan (c), Folau Fa’ainga, Sam Needs, Ned Hanigan, Tim Buchanan, Tom Cusack, Mark Baldwin, Sam Ward, Jake Gordon, Tayler Adams, Alex Newsome, Kyle Godwin, David Horwitz, Reece Robinson, Angus Roberts.
Bench: Clarrie Moore, Jed Gillespie, Cameron Betham, Rohan O’Regan, Sam Croke, Rowan Perry, Andrew Deegan, Tom Hill.

PERTH: Laione Mulikihaamea, Harry Scoble, Shambeckler Vui, Kieran Stringer, Ross Haylett-Petty, Brynard Stander, Hadleigh May, Ben McCalman, Michael Ruru, Jono Lance (c), Eric Vasukicakau, Ben Tapuai, Ammon Matuauto, Marcel Brache, Manihera Eden.
Bench: Tom Sheminant, Nick McLennan, Jermaine Ainsley, Onehunga Havili, Russell Burges, Ian Prior, AJ Alatimu, Louie David.

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