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Melbourne Rising have added another win to their ledger with a 16-point victory over the UC Vikings on Sunday afternoon.
Final score
UC Vikings 44
Melbourne Rising 60
The University of Canberra Vikings will be looking to defend the Horan-Little shield for the second time when they take on Melbourne Rising at Viking Park.
Coming off a close six-point win over the Western Sydney Rams, the UC Vikings will be looking for a more assertive performance going into last year’s semi-final rematch with Melbourne Rising.
Faalelei Sione gets his first ever start for the Vikings, and Josh Mann-Rea will replace Robbie Abel at hooker. Abel is being given the week off to rest.
Also, Jordan Smiler returns from injury for the Vikings, he will join debutant Eli Sinoti on the bench.
After an inconsistent start to the season, Melbourne Rising will be looking to build off a big win over defending champions Brisbane City, and take the Horan-Little shield in the process.
Melbourne have several changes to the side that defeated City, with Tom Moloney and Tyrel Lomax starting for the Rising.
The Rising will also see Jack Debreczeni return at 10, and Jonah Placid return at fullback.
The last these two sides played was in last year’s semi-final. It was a close game at first, but the Vikings ran away with it in the end to take home the 16-point win at home.
Prediction
The Vikings aren’t coming off the best performance, and the Rising have a ton of momentum. However, the Vikings are tough to beat at home, and Melbourne are playing with a squad that has been significantly changed since last week. This one could really go either way.
Vikings by 6
Kick-off: 1pm AEST
Venue: Viking Park, Canberrra
Table position: UC Vikings second, Rising fifth
Last meeting: UC Vikings 50 – 34 Melbourne RisingUNI OF CANBERRA: Faalelei Sione, Josh Mann-Rea, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Blake Enever, Sam Carter, Tom Staniforth, Jarrad Butler (c), OJ Noa, Joe Powell, Robbie Coleman (c), Lausii Taliauli, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Andrew Smith, Andrew Robinson, Isaac Thompson.
Bench: Connal McInerney, Sione Taula, Ray Dobson, Dean Oakman-Hunt, Jordan Smiler, Brent Hamlin, Nick Jooste, Eli Sinoti.MELBOURNE: Tom Moloney, Pat Leafa, Tyrel Lomax, Sam Jeffries, Steve Cummins, Jordy Reid, Ikapote Tupai, Harley Fox, Nic Stirzaker (c), Jack Debreczeni, Tom English, Lloyd Johansson, Sione Tuipulotu, Ah-Mu Tuimalealiifano, Jonah Placid.
Bench: Siliva Siliva, Toby Smith, Fereti Sa’aga, Alex Toolis, Sione Taufa, Mick Snowden, Taiso Silafai-Leaana, Isaiah Leota.
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.