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Brisbane City become the first team to secure a place in the 2014 National Rugby Championship final following a 32-26 victory against NSW Country on Friday night.
FINAL SCORE:
Brisbane City 32
NSW Country 26
NSW Country Eagles will host Brisbane City in the highly anticipated National Rugby Championship semi-final clash at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford. Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
The first semi-final of the NRC, and it is hard to believe that the regular season is already over. Both the Eagles and City are thoroughly deserving to be in championship contention, finishing 10 and nine points respectively above fourth placed Perth Spirit (17 points).
Moreover, both have won their last two (both are also three from their last four) in typically high-scoring affairs, including a 51-point drubbing of North Harbour Rays at the hands of City.
The last time the Eagles and City met was in a heated Round 4 clash that saw City prevail 34-26, however the Eagles are boasting a stronger side this time around.
Coach Darren Coleman has praised his side’s defence throughout the competition but was critical of the Eagles work at the breakdown.
Coleman said that “At times, if we don’t get the quality breakdown ball we’re looking for, our attack stutters a little bit.”
For this semi Country have reshuffled their forward pack with Mitch Chapman coming into the starting side, and Cam Treloar dropping to the bench. Stephen Hoiles will also feature, recovering from a lower leg strain that saw him in doubt at the beginning of the week.
In the backs, Brendan McKibbin will look to outperform Nick Frisby, a contest that will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
Young flyer and top try-scorer Andrew Kellaway will feature again this week – his combination with McKibbin and Hoiles will be key to the plight of NSW in securing a win and advancing to the Grand Final.
Brisbane may have beaten the Eagles in their last encounter but they will not be feeling resting on their laurels for this clash.
The side has also lost a number of plays to representative duties, including high-calibre backs Will Genia and Quade Cooper as well as forward James Hanson.
It is not all bad news for Brisbane however, Jake Schatz and Liam Gill will be back to fill the hole left by the Wallabies trio.
While Gill and Schatz will bolster the forward pack, the loss of Genia and Cooper will mean that City’s backs will have to step up.
With competitive matchups across the park this semi-final clash is arguably the game of the tournament, and will undoubtedly be a belter.
Tip: Eagles by 10.
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.