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.
Harry
Guest
Thought McIntyre was good until the last 10 minutes. I don't want to overhype or put the mocker on the guy, but he reminds me of Michael Lynagh.
Moe Joe
Roar Rookie
Certainly wasn't McIntyre's best game, you would hope he learns from a few not so great playing decisions last night. Pretty sure he has proven that he has the best hands in the comp. The ball service he has received over the last few weeks has been less than ordinary, but he is safe as houses. Kerevi needs to start running some lines with the backs and not just be a wrecking ball player. The backline last week with Mullins at 12 was sharp. Thought Country were going to get up
Harry
Guest
After the year of the Tahs and Origin take what opportunities I can get.
Woodsman
Guest
Not that it really matters but my comment was for when Ben had Greg Martin there not Tim Horan.
Woodsman
Guest
Not that it really matters but my comment was for when Ben had Greg Martin there not Tim Horan.
Bunratty
Guest
funny...I'm sure you meant to say: "Miller and Gray impressive for NSW"?
Harry
Guest
Just logging in to say loved the game. Impressed by Gill, Schatz and McDuling and all the City front rowers. Ready for the Reds squad with both Tightheads please. McIntyre hugely impressed me ... sure he made a few blunders in the last 10 minutes but I think he was groggy after copping a hit and with bench empty and Frisby off had to stay on. Kuridrani also, Kerevi well contained but a handful all night long and he looks to have a range of skills. Miller and Gray impressive for the NSW losers.
Ben Gibbon
Roar Guru
I loved him as a player...
Rugby stu
Guest
Good news for them
Brett McKay
Expert
Nope, I've just noted the correction above. Not a Tim Horan fan, evidently..
Don
Roar Rookie
I think they'd push 15K if they play at Ballymore. How good would that be for the NRC!
Rhys Maiden
Roar Pro
He is already with the Waratahs
RobC
Roar Guru
my MOTM Styles :). Top-shelf coaching. But mostly for hanging around the stands watching the game, relaxed only kidding. Its Gray for me
Woodsman
Guest
I didn't even have the commentary on as the missus was watching TV but I'll always take the wind sock.
RobC
Roar Guru
thanks Ben
Rugby stu
Guest
Tala Gray should definitely be considered a Wallabies dark-horse in the future as a enforcer. Does he have a contract? Surely someone must be trying to sign him up as we speak if not.
ethan
Guest
What a cracker! A few errors by both but that is because the physicality and pressure was huge. McDuling my man of the match, he was absolutely everywhere. Really great game to watch.
Don
Roar Rookie
they couldn't be referring to poor old Tim Sheridan could they?
Rugby stu
Guest
Lets be honest how could if Perth beat Melbourne and then a grand final at Ballymore!!! Would be the bet chance of a packed house in the NRC.
Brett McKay
Expert
Greg Martin's not there, guys. Tim Horan is the co-commentator, if that's who you're referring to..