Round 5 of the NRC kicks off tonight with Queensland Country hosting the Greater Sydney Rams at Ballymore, their first game at the venue.
Join us at 7:30pm AEST for updates from the community, banter and generally a bit of fun.
The Rams will be confident heading into this one, having been successful in their last two at bats in the NRC. Country, on the other hand, must be at a loss as to what to do with their season, with no wins yet from three games after they went down to North Harbour last week thanks to a late try.
Queensland Country will be scratching their heads as to what they have to do to get a win. They had all the running in the second half against the Rays, but a late hitback saw them sink to their third loss in a row.
Brett McKay summed their plight up best in his own way in his NRC wrap this week:
“Country hoisted the wet sail in the last thirty minutes to not just draw level, but to even take a 29-24 lead with around five minutes to go.”
The Rams are a team in form, having won two on the trot, although their win over the Sydney Stars won’t be giving too many of the top teams nightmares. Taqele Naiyaravaro, is precisely the stuff of nightmares, having scored four tries and terrorised opposing defences in the tournament thus far. He gave the Stars a torrid time of it last week, and will be looking to do the same again this week.
They will want to put this game safely away, with a bonus point if possible, against a winless Queensland Country team with no big ‘ins’ to speak of.
Will Slipper, James’ brother, will make his debut from the bench this weekend for Queensland Country too, so keep an eye out on him from the bench.
Join the fun at 7:30, and if you’re following the action, don’t be afraid to let everyone know what you think in the comments section below.
Bakkies
Guest
Country shouldn't be playing games in Brisbane!
RobC
Roar Guru
I think youre right BB, their combinations needs to be worked on, and supporting players need to commit bit earlier. Last week, they won through power forwards and weren't challenged in contact by Syd Stars (Sydney Uni) vs this game. Melbourne Rising/Rebs an example of a well oiled in BD. Too bad Perth doesn't field the Force team. :Would have been good to see in action.
BrumbyJack
Guest
Couldn't agree more Eagle. Another disaster. And another nail on the coffin for the ARU
What was quite evident was the fact that the Rams would sit back and watch what the ball carrier did, they would only engage once the ball carrier was brought down, it is a easy enough issue to correct, but one off runners get easily isolated if there isn't isn't support runners coming onto the ball at all times. Be it for clearing the ruck, or being there for the offload At one stage in the second half they had a few pick and drives going only to lose the ball in the tackle 4 mters from the line Maybe it is as you say fitness issues
RobC
Roar Guru
Yep. QldC had the advantage in the rucks and cycled well, and gave the backs the space QldC shut / slowed the Rams. Rams, though had better breakthrough power - but their rucking disappointed. Looked like fitness issue esp 2nd half - along with cohesion / combination issues in general
I thought that the Rams lacked cohesion on attack and were poor at securing their ball at the breakdowns, Queensland looked a lot more cohesive on attack especially and managed to burn the Rams at a number of rucks.
eagleJack
Guest
Watch that game. And then watch any ITM Cup game and you will see why we are so far behind the ABs.
RobC
Roar Guru
Lucky for QldC Rams didnt have Naiyaravaro
RobC
Roar Guru
ya. Gonna get a Rams hat anyway Go Rams!
RobC
Roar Guru
Too many scrappy scrums. 101 turnovers. QldC protected their 22m like their tryline When Rams get into the redzone they lose it. Rams forwards attack better in the loose. QldC scrum and defence too good. Backs dangerous, incl the 100kg 17yo Rams: - Scrums, lineout, knock-ons and tackles not good. Otherwise they were brilliant! - Holloway fantastic again - Big boys doing the work, but turning over or isolated - Lucky Rams didnt have Naiyaravaro QldC: - Defence won the day - Scrum good! lineout messy. Holmes - Lucky Rams didnt have Naiyaravaro - Still two minds about JJT. Delivered today
bigbaz
Roar Guru
We gotta keep this going.
Woodsman
Guest
Poor Jed. Sounds completely destroyed
RobC
Roar Guru
There it is again - the crowd sized applause
Woodsman
Guest
There were some heavy hits tonight
RobC
Roar Guru
QC country. two bad lineouts in a row
RobC
Roar Guru
QC defence did to Rams, What Boks did to ABs and what WBs did to Boks
RobC
Roar Guru
Nice run Ayoub, offload
RobC
Roar Guru
wow. I hear crowd sized clapping. Or just echo?
RobC
Roar Guru
Nice pass Jai. But winger bundled out
RobC
Roar Guru
Lolohea what a run. Coughed up