Perth Spirit move through to the NRC final to face Brisbane City after defeating Melbourne Rising on the 29-45.
FULL TIME:
Melbourne Rising 29
Perth Spirit 45
The second semi final of the NRC will see the undefeated minor premiers, Melbourne Rising against the fourth placed Perth Spirit. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:30pm (AEDT).
This has been a great opening season, with free flowing entertaining rugby throughout.
This semi-final will be the second last game of the NRC season, with the winner advancing to the final against either the NSW Country Eagles or Brisbane City.
The Rising were the runaway minor premiers, winning all of their matches. There is no doubt that they are the form side of the competition.
The Spirit on the other hand are coming off a close loss to the second placed NSW Country Eagles. Despite only winning three matches, they have adapted well enough to the new laws to get enough bonus points to get into fourth place and secure a semi-final berth.
Last time these two played, the Rising beat the Spirit 44-24; the Spirit started strong but the Rising ended with a show.
The Rising will be hindered by their own success, with three players missing due to Wallaby selection. Tom English, Luke Jones and Sean McMahon are big losses for the Rising. The Spirit on the other hand will use a mix of Western Australian club and Super Rugby experienced players with experienced Wallaby Pek Cowan coming back into the side.
The battle of the fly-halves will be interesting. Zach Holmes has been in the Super Rugby system for a while and has benefited from an extended time for Perth in the fly-half competition in the NRC. On the other hand, this was Jack Debreczeni’s first season at the Rebels. He has been a commanding force at the Melbourne Rising, easily becoming the leading point scorer in the NRC.
Despite the loss of key players, it is hard to go past the form of the Melbourne Rising. The Perth Spirit have worked hard to make it to the semi finals, but this is where their journey will end. The commanding manner in which the Rising have completed their victories shows why they are the runaway favourites for the title.
They should complete this victory with relative ease and make their way to a home final.
My prediction: 47-26 to the Rising
It is great to see that the two teams from lesser known rugby areas are playing off in the semi finals. Do you think this form will impact on the upcoming Super Rugby season?
Last time Australia had a third-tier competition it uncovered players like Kurtley Beale and Luke Burgess. Who do you think have been the stars of this year’s NRC?
kevin
Guest
Pretty sound analysis, Daniel
Lano
Roar Guru
Harry, I agree fully. Wykes work rate for the Force is phenomenal, especially when compared to Wilhelm Steenkamp, who looks passive and disengaged in the extreme.
Harry
Guest
I have always been an admirer of Wykes and thought he had a blinder today. Melbourne missed McMahon, English and Jones big time.
Harry
Guest
Looking forward to the final in Brissy next week. Great to see lots of home grown WA players in the Perth team.
Stu. B.
Guest
Couple of sick puppies in that commentary team,(may be there is a gambling problem)Good work from the Perth team,they played the better rugby.Some rugby fans have a major problem recognising rugby as a national sport,meaning played all over Australia not just shute shield and hospital cup,expand your narrow little horizons fellas.
Digby
Roar Guru
Go Spirit!
Digby
Roar Guru
Excellent game so far!
RobC
Roar Guru
One point game!
RobC
Roar Guru
Held up? Man the rucking and leg drive is great. Both teams
AndrewWA
Guest
Great effort by the Spirit and fantastic season by the Rising. Fantastic contribution by the boys from local Perth rugby. Tiresome commentary by the East-Coast-Centric Foxsports team. All about what the Rising wasn't doing rather than the gutsy effort by the Perth Rising. Coverage before the final hooter included a single interview with Spirit Captain (Sam Wkes) countered by interviews with Rising Captain, Inman and Rising Coach x 2. Gregan's Spirited effort was somewhat against the Rising tide. Kearns never has anything good to say about Force/Spirit. Perth Spirit in with a good chance against Brisbane City next week. Go you Perth Spirit!!!
Digby
Roar Guru
Yeehaa! Plenty of feeling in it already! Chiefs midfield is scary for next year!
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Yeah, I'll go to Ballymore for sure! Take the family I reckon, it would be awesome to get a good turn out.
RobC
Roar Guru
OOOOooo. Taranaki / Tasman
RobC
Roar Guru
Congrats man. Youre gonna be at Ballymore?
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks Daniel. Who's your MOTM?
RobC
Roar Guru
What a game!. Still close in the end. Rising what a shock loss. Spirit what a shock win. Lineouts did the trick, defence and turnover Tough luck Rising. Best team of the comp, consistently. But not today! Rising: - Like last week, surprised by stiff opposition defence - Unlike last week, their opposition didn't slow down - No use winning scrum penalties if your lineout fubars - Timani strong, but losing the ball when in advantage. Patience! - JackDeb, Placid, Inman killer in the open. But closed out for most of the game Spirit: - Lots of WA players. Fantastic defence. - Fixed the maul after 2nd half - Attacked from all over the park. Holmes. Hallet-Petty. Brache Badger like - Forward, pick/go too good. Too strong over the Rising gainline, too easily What an inspiring game
Daniel
Roar Rookie
No worries Diggercane. Hope you enjoyed it.
Daniel
Roar Rookie
That's it from me. Great game by the Perth Spirit. Rising had flashes of brilliance but errors cost them. The final should be great!
El Gamba
Roar Guru
The hurrising certainly turned it on for their number 1 NZ supporter! Not sure I am the charm, the Rising scored as soon as I turned it on!
Daniel
Roar Rookie
fourth win of the season and into the final! nice one Perth