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The annual NSW City vs Country clash is set to kickoff at Apex Oval in Dubbo. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:00pm (AEST)
Almost every article and preview you read for this match starts by questioning its worth and relevance.
The match does have a history and most years the match itself is competitive and contested with intensity by both sides. The players obviously care, even if plenty are too “injured” to be considered for selection.
Chris Chard has the final word on the subject, here.
Anyway despite all the negative press this game gets, I always look forward to it as a contest and not just because it’s Cocky on Cocky.
City
One of the appealing things about this fixture is watching new combinations of players running around. City has cooked up a side with many debutants and players who are knocking on the door for Origin selection.
City’s backline is equal parts youth and class and these youngsters will benefit enormously from the higher standard and intensity. I expect City’s wingers Daniel Tupou and Jorge Taufua to feature prominently.
The firm of Reynolds and Reynolds will partner in the halves, each of them with a genuine claim to a blue jumper.
These two have the benefit of playing behind a fearsome forward pack that boasts Andrew Fifita and Aaron Woods as its starting props. The aggression of this side will not lessen when firebrands Darcy Lussick and Tim Grant get their turn.
Country
David Mead and Kevin Gordon will combine with ex-Titans team mate Jamal Idris in the backs, while the Knights are supplying both the halves which will give Country an edge. Jarrod Mullen’s excellent kicking game is sure to benefit his Knights winger and Blues incumbent James McManus.
Tariq Sims has been named as a starting prop alongside the tireless Aiden Tolman. Country’s backrowers, Beau Scott, Josh Jackson and Adam Docker are all athletic hitmen whose shoulders will be itching to dent the midriffs of their opposites.
Head-to-Head
Since 1987, City has won 13 of the 24 matches, Country has won 10 with a draw in the mix too. Country are the current champions, having shut City down in the 2013 game to the tune of 12-0.
City looks to have the advantage in the forwards and so the Reynolds boys should have room to move which could be dangerous if Josh Reynolds can slip through a crack. You can bet he will try.
Country’s Newcastle halves combination is a definite advantage but if the forwards can’t match it with the larger City pack they might not be effective.
Prediction
City are favourites with the bookies but these games are unpredictable. I tend to favour Country who will draw upon the energy supplied by their ‘home’ crowd. Country to win by 4.
Looking forward to covering this game on The Roar, why not drop by and add your comments?
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