Melbourne Rising will be hoping their week off pays dividends as they host a struggling Greater Sydney Rams. Join The Roar from 2pm (AEST) for live scores.
Last year’s semi-finalists Melbourne had a hard-fought five-point win over the North Harbour Rays before their week off, and will be looking to continue the momentum in a winnable home game.
Rising star Jack Debreczeni has been the Rising’s most impressive player to date, proving he can make plays, score tries and kick the ball through the posts from almost anywhere.
Despite coming close against the New South Wales Country Eagles and Queensland Country, the Rams have failed to play rugby all the way to the final whistle this year, resulting in a winless start to the season.
The last time Melbourne faced the Rams, the Rising came back after a slow start to the game to run away the match in the second half, winning by 18 points.
Prediction: Rising by 20
If the Rams play until the final whistle, they might be able to come away with a win, however all signs point to a Melbourne victory.
Will the Rising stay on track for another run in the finals, or can the Rams finally get their first win of the season?
Join us on The Roar from 2pm for live scores to find out.
Aaron
Guest
any crowd estimate?
AndyS
Guest
No worries, well worth catching the replay.
Hello
Roar Rookie
Sounds like I will have to try and watch when I into some better net service. Thanks for keeping me posted Andy
Rugby stu
Guest
Rising really snatched victory from the jaws of defeat there. What a game!
AndyS
Guest
Rams keep it in the scrum, then told to use it. Hit it up a couple of times but give away the penalty. Debreczeni taps it and kicks into touch for full time. Rams must be wondering what the hell just happened. Great second half of rugby though.
AndyS
Guest
Rising backward and forward, finds English on the wing and able to run around. All on the kicker and Debreczeni converts. 37-36 to the Rising with time basically up but the Rams in attack.
AndyS
Guest
Shipperley tears through the line and support just arrives in time. Cross kick to English is retained and the ball worked back to the left, Reid runs an inside line and is over for a converted try. Really nice play and 36-29 Rams at 77 minutes.
AndyS
Guest
Shipperley tears through the line and support just arrives in time. Cross kick to English is retained and the ball worked back to the left, Reid runs an inside line and is over for a converted try. 36-29 Rams at 77 minutes.
AndyS
Guest
Rams move it backward and forward really nicely, constantly testing the line. Finally find the gap on the right wing and over. 36-21 Rams at 71 minutes.
AndyS
Guest
Rising scrum on the 22 gets a bit disrupted, but they clear the ball. Rams intercept though and Hollaway flies away to try. No conversion, 31-21 Rams at 67 minutes.
AndyS
Guest
A lot less silly buggers from both sides in the second half and a lot more focused attack at the line. Much better game as a result and getting very intense.
AndyS
Guest
Good kick from the Rams forces the ball to be placed in goal. Great push-over try from the resulting 5m scrum goes unconverted from the sideline. 26-21 at 60 minutes.
Hello
Roar Rookie
Thanks Andy sounds like an exciting game
AndyS
Guest
Rams immediately reply from long range after the restart. 21 all at 53:30.
AndyS
Guest
Nice move off the back of the scrum by the Rising, Rams all bunched up in defence and Placid strolls through barely opposed. 21-13 to Melbourne after 51 minutes.
AndyS
Guest
13 all straight after the restart.
Hello
Roar Rookie
Sounds like a lot of yellows
AndyS
Guest
Attempt at a rolling maul by the Rising in the shadow of half time sacked, yellow card for the Rams. Attempted repeat from the penalty botched, 5-13 to the Rams at the break.
AndyS
Guest
5 all at 33 minutes, then the Rams smashed through the line for one under the posts.for 13-5.
Hello
Roar Rookie
Can anyone give me an update as I can not get a good enough connection to watch the game. Thanks