The penultimate round of the National Rugby Championship is upon us, and by my count, three of the four games can have some degree of bearing on the top four and the potential playoff combatants.
We already know Brisbane City and the Uni of Canberra Vikings are safe; both remain unbeaten after six games, both have five bonus points, and their overall records are so similar it’s not funny. Brisbane regained top spot last weekend, managing to bridge a 56-point gap between them and the Vikings.
And so it’s with a special kind of anticipation that these two teams are meeting this weekend. If the draw wasn’t locked in at the start of the season, there is no doubt in my mind that Fox Sports would want to show this game.
Many see this game as a full dress rehearsal to the final on the last weekend of October, and on current evidence it’s hard to argue that point. But we also had similar thoughts of Melbourne Rising last year, didn’t we…
It really does shape as a brilliant Round 8 of the NRC, and here’s a quick summary of each team’s finals scenario for the remaining two weeks of the competition:
1. Brisbane (29 points)
If they beat Canberra then they will probably finish first and claim hosting rights. They play eighth-placed Greater Sydney in Round 9.
2. Canberra (29)
Beat Brisbane and they probably finish first and claim hosting rights. Play seventh-placed Queensland Country next week.
3. Sydney (19)
Have the bye this week, and simply must beat Melbourne next week to retain their current top-four spot. Could actually finish as low as sixth or seventh.
4. NSW Country (13)
Beat both Melbourne this week and North Harbour next week and they’ll qualify, and could finish as high as third. Lose one of the two, and they’re doing the maths and sweating on other games.
5. Melbourne (12)
Must win both games against NSW Country and Sydney. They can’t bridge the gap to the Stars with only one win.
6. Perth (11)
Having the bye next week means they’re done for in 2015. Can only reach 16 points, and that won’t be enough.
7. Queensland Country (9)
Can get to 19 points with two bonus-point wins, but will require results going their way and possibly a miracle; they play Canberra in the final round.
8. Greater Sydney (7)
Thanks for playing Rams, here’s your 2015 certificate.
9. North Harbour (6)
Just line up behind the Rams, thanks Rays…
The weekly reminder: To watch the three games over the weekend, you’ll need full access to the Fox Sports website, or to the Fox Sport NOW app on Apple TV. NRC Live streams can be accessed by Fox Sports Digital subscribers and News Plus subscribers, or they can be viewed a day after the game at www.BuildcorpNRC.com.au.
Most Foxtel subscribers qualify for free Fox Sports Digital access but need to generate a new username and password by clicking here.
You cannot access the streams with just your Foxtel TV login details.
To the preview…
Tonight: Melbourne Rising vs NSW Country Eagles, at Simonds Stadium in Geelong; 7:35pm AEDT
Darren Coleman has embarked on a mini-tour late in the season, getting his team over to Perth ahead of time, and then staying on a few more days after the game before heading to Geelong through Melbourne yesterday.
He’s sticking with the same XV that started in the west, and has made only one change to the bench, with Cameroonian prop Dashville Kuate onto the bench for Andrew Collins. I’m hearing wacky whispers about a couple of young Eagles being held back by the Waratahs, too, and being put through pre-season programs, rather than playing in the NRC. Crazy, if true.
Zane Hilton was happy with the way his young side pushed Canberra for 60 minutes last week, but he’ll be very happy to have Pat Leafa, Colby Fainga’a, and Lopeti Timani back in his pack this week. Keep an eye on young inside centre Sione Tuipulotu, who was amazing last week in a beaten side; I think he made the gain line every time he carried.
The Rising’s well travelled training ground goalposts only just resettled back in Melbourne after their trip to Morwell, and now they’ve been trucked south-west and put in place on the home turf of the Geelong Cats. Should be interesting on a number of fronts.
Melbourne: (1-15) Cruze Ah-Nau, Pat Leafa, Duncan Chubb, Sam Jeffries, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Jordy Reid, Colby Fainga’a, Ben Meehan, Jack Debreczeni (C), Stacey Ili, Sione Tuipulotu, Dom Shipperley, Justin Marsters, Jonah Placid.
Replacements: Mitch Andrews, Mike Tyler, Tom Moloney, Steve Cummins, Pom Simona, Maradona Farao, Lloyd Johansson, Filipe Vilitati.
NSW Country: (15-1) Dane Maraki, Tom Sexton, David Feao, Tom Staniforth, Nick Palmer, Beau Robinson, Mark Baldwin, Sam Figg, Mitch Short, Jono Lance (C), Charlie Clifton, David Horwitz, Ed Stubbs, Jarome Mackenzie, Andrew Kellaway.
Replacements: Peter Nau, Jerome Vaai, Dashville Kuate, Jock Armstrong, BJ Edwards, Angus Pulver, Tom Merritt, Jack Pennington.
Referee: Matt O’Brien
Tickets: Tickets at the gate, or via www.melbournerising.com.au. Adults $15, kids under 12 free.
Saturday: University of Canberra Vikings vs Brisbane, at Viking Park in Canberra; 2:00pm AEDT
I had a coffee with Vikings coach Brad Harris yesterday, and he told me that only training track mishaps would force changes to what has been a settled side for several weeks now. Harris said the Vikings have been working hard this week on their accuracy in the opposition half, which will be especially important against a City side that transition faster from turnover to counter attack than any other team in the competition.
Back on top of the table after their NRC record 58-0 thumping of the Sydney Stars – no team had ever been held scoreless before – my northern spies tell me City look set to go with the same side, too, but with the welcome addition of Liam Gill. This will mean one of their really impressive young flankers, Luke Beauchamp or Waita Setu, will drop back to the bench, but still, what a problem to have.
As per the guidelines, the Horan-Little Shield will again be on the line in this match, after City successfully defended it at home in Rounds 4 and 5, and again in Sydney last week.
Teams to be announced today. Referee is Andrew Lees, and the commentary will be exceptional.
Tickets: Tickets at the gate, or via this link. Adults from just $10, kids $5.
Saturday: North Harbour Rays vs Queensland Country, at Pittwater Rugby Park in Sydney; 3:00pm AEDT
North Harbour have used so many players this season that they don’t really have any players left to make further changes to the side that narrowly lost to Greater Sydney last Thursday night. Fullback Hamish Angus went off last week with a back complaint, but is said to have overcome it reasonably well and should be right for this match.
Queensland Country are coming off the bye last week and look all set to welcome flyhalf Sam Green back into their side, after he missed the Round 6 win over NSW Country in waterlogged Newcastle. But curiously, my spies tell me he may not line up at No.10, which suggests that young Dion Taumata will hold his spot. This is a massive game for Country, who simply must win both remaining games to be a remote chance of sneaking fourth spot, as mentioned above.
Teams to be announced today. The referee is Ed Martin.
Tickets: Available at the gate, adults $20, concession and students $15, and kids under 17 free. For lovers of big blokes in space, Manly will also take on Warringah in a sevens curtain-raiser with a twist: players must meet a pre-game weigh-in, with a 100 kilogram minimum required to take part! And hang around afterwards, too, for a live band and gourmet barbeque.
Saturday: Greater Sydney Rams vs Perth Spirit, at Concord Oval in Sydney; 3:00pm AEDT
The Rams were rapt to break the duck last week against the Rays, and have this week taken a lighter approach after a pretty physical game. They took four days off, and only had their first session on Tuesday night (at another new training ground), hoping that it might help several guys overcome some general soreness.
Lock Marcus Carbone is the only player in any doubt, he’s nursing sore ribs after a friendly fire clash with teammate Hugh Roach. Should be a largely unchanged side, save for perhaps some prop rotation. Opposition goal-kickers beware of the Horned Army’s “Lolly Legs” chant from the sideline.
After mounting a decent comeback against NSW Country last weekend at home, the Spirit just couldn’t quite finish the job, which means with the bye next week they now cannot make the finals. Centre Junior Rasolea was whacked with a three-week suspension after a very ordinary-looking tip tackle, too. But Kyle Godwin will be a decent replacement, coming back into the side at 12.
Flanker Pierre Roberts impressed enough off the bench to earn a start, forcing Kane Koteka to openside. Koteka just yesterday re-signed with the Western Force for another year, out of interest. With flyhalf Luke Burton suffering a broken hand, and Ian Prior doing a bang-up job last week, Prior will this week wear No.10, with Ryan Louwrens again starting at scrumhalf. Hooker Heath Tessmann will sit out this last game.
Teams to be announced today. Referee is Rohan Hoffmann.
Tickets: Tickets available here and at the gate. Adults from $15 and kids under 15 free.
Sydney Stars have the bye
Table at the start of Round 8
Brisbane City 29
Uni of Canberra 29
Sydney 19
NSW Country 13
Melbourne 12
Perth 11
Queensland Country 9
Greater Sydney 7
North Harbour 6
Leading try-scorers
10 – Junior Laloifi (BRIS)
7 – Harry Jones (SYD)
6 – Samu Kerevi (BRIS), Nigel Ah Wong (UCV), Jarrad Butler (UCV)
5 – Ita Vaea (UCV), Francis Fainifo (UCV)
4 – Josh Holmes (NHR), Jake Gordon (SYD), Sam Greene (QLDC), Ben Meehan (MEL), Tom Robertson (SYD), Cohan Masson (GSR), Richard Hardwick (PER)
(267 tries from 133 different players to date.)
Leading goal-kickers (min 10 attempts)
90% – 18/20: Ian Prior (PER)
85% – 17/20: Jono Lance (NSWC)
83% – 20/24: Hamish Angus (NHR)
78% – 28/36: Jake McIntyre (BRIS)
76% – 16/21: Sam Greene (QLDC)
A 72% conversion rate overall – 197 from 275 across the competition from 25 different players.
Still just two penalty goals kicked from three attempts in 28 games.
Larry
Guest
Very diplomatic. Your coverage of this comp is excellent, as everyone else has noted. Well done.
bazza
Guest
correct
Brett McKay
Expert
Rams team was named last night, but here it is in a little more detail: PCS RAMS Team Announcement for the Game against Perth Spirit Saturday 10 Oct 3pm Coming off an exciting victory last week the PCS Greater Sydney Rams are looking forward to another home game, this Saturday at Concord Oval, against the Perth Spirit. Kick off is at 3pm. Jed Gillespie and Cameron Betham both return to the starting front row this week, to pack in alongside Hugh Roach. Will Munro gets his first start of the season, having featured in all games so far off the bench, and will partner Jake Douglas in the second row. The back row of Hayes, Masson and Holloway has been maintained for the second week in a row. The backline has a very familiar look to last weeks with one key change. Afa Pakalani moves from fullback to the wing with BJ Hartmann slotting in at the back. Matt Gibbon will get his chance as replacement front rower off the bench this week. Brad Kapa also returns to the side after some good performances for the development team. Taylor Adams and Brad Curtis are also back after missing last weeks game. Here is your PCS Greater Sydney Rams team for Round 8: Jed Gillespie LOOSEHEAD PROP 1 Hugh Roach (VC) HOOKER 2 Cameron Betham TIGHTHEAD PROP 3 Will Munro LEFT LOCK 4 Jake Douglas RIGHT LOCK 5 Jono Hayes LEFT FLANKER 6 Cohen Masson RIGHT FLANKER 7 Jed Holloway (C) NO. 8 8 Dewet Roos SCRUM HALF 9 Paul Asquith FLYHALF 10 Afa Pakalani LEFT WING 11 Michael McDougall INSIDE CENTRE 12 Jordan Heyer OUTSIDE CENTRE 13 Matt Teki RIGHT WING 14 Brenden Hartmann FULLBACK 15 RESERVES Siliva Silva 16 Matt Gibbon 17 Sam Needs 18 Brad Kapa 19 Kelly Meafau 20 Taylor Adams 21 Rohan Saifoloi 22 Brad Curtis 23
AndyS
Guest
Intetesting side, but a bit of a who-cares match now.
Brett McKay
Expert
Perth team has come in this evening, too: SPIRIT LOOK TO FINISH REGULAR SEASON ON A HIGH The Perth Spirit will look to finish the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship regular season off on a high when they take on the Greater Sydney Rams at Concord Oval in Sydney on Saturday. The Perth-based team’s loss to the NSW Country Eagles last weekend means that the Spirit must win on Saturday, as well as relying on other results to qualify for the finals series. The Spirit faces an in-form Rams team this weekend and will need to be at their best to get the win. Front-rower Francois van Wyk returns, with Future Force academy product Harry Scoble receiving his first start of the season at hooker. Cottesloe’s Adrian Hall comes back into the starting team after another impressive performance off the bench last week and will line up alongside Gulls teammate Ross Haylett-Petty. After another imposing game off the bench last weekend, Wests Scarborough captain Pierre Roberts, earns a starting spot in the ‘6’ jersey, with fellow Pindan Premier Grade teammate Kane Koteka beside him at openside flanker Ryan Louwrens will start at scrumhalf, with Western Force adversary Ian Prior starting at flyhalf, with Luke Burton sidelined with a hand injury. Superstar Kyle Godwin is back and will look to keep a solid partnership going with Joondalup’s Maalonga Konelio in the centres. Pindan Premier Grade stars Anaru Rangi, Jermaine Ainsley and Auega Seumanutafa are all back in the team, providing strong support off the bench. Nick Jooste also comes back into the team, after completing his duties for the Australian Schoolboys in their recent Tri Nations tournament. Perth Spirit head coach Tai McIsaac, says the team is firmly focusing on getting the win against the Rams. “We’re not clouding the boys minds with what may happen beyond this weekend, we just want them to go out there, play some good rugby, hopefully get the win and enjoy themselves.” “This week provides another great opportunity for the team to grow and showcase what we can do. “It certainly isn’t going to be easy, the Rams are up and about and their position on the ladder certainly doesn’t represent the way they can play.” You can watch the Spirit’s match against the Rams via the Fox Sports live stream. Click here to view the match. 2015 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship – Week Eight Perth Spirit v Greater Sydney Rams Concord Oval, Sydney Saturday, 10 October 2015 Kick-off: 3pm (12pm AWST) 1. Francois van Wyk UWA 2. Harry Scoble UWA 3. Oliver Hoskins Cottesloe 4. Adrian Hall Cottesloe 5. Ross Haylett-Petty Cottesloe 6. Pierre Roberts Wests Scarborough 7 Kane Koteka Wests Scarborough 8. Angus Cottrell Associates 9. Ryan Louwrens Cottesloe 10. Ian Prior (c) Nedlands 11. Brad Lacey Wests Scarborough 12. Kyle Godwin Associates 13. Maalonga Konelio Joondalup 14. Faamanatu Apineru Kalamunda 15. Albert Nikoro Wests Scarborough Reserves 16. Anaru Rangi Nedlanda 17. Chris Heiberg Perth Bayswater 18. Jermaine Ainsley Nedlands 19. Rory Walton Wests Scarborough 20. Auega Seumanutafa Kalamunda 21. Michael Ruru Nedlands 22. Nick Jooste Hale School 23. Byron Hutchinson Wanneroo
Brett McKay
Expert
He missed the Rd 6 game in Newcastle, and Taumata went pretty well, and then with Elliott Hagen ruled out, it's perhaps the best of both worlds? Should be OK, I think..
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
Are you referring to The Prince?
Handles
Roar Guru
Glad to see you got a Qld Country Team Brett. My email from the QRU said "Queensland Country side to play North Harbour Rays in Sydney Bond University Queensland Country head coach Jason Gilmore has the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog and over the moon when the country team plays in sydney on saturday afternoon." So not a lot of information. Any view on Greene playing 15? I have been really happy with his play at 10 - he plays so close to the gain line. Seems a backward step to move him to 15.
Brett McKay
Expert
Not at all, Larry. And I paid, like I generally do when I want to interview someone..
Larry
Guest
How does Harris present as a coffee date, fairly intense? I bet he didn't pay.
bazza
Guest
The outside backs for CITY are unbelivable...Canberra better not give them too much ball or its all over.. If that bloke Laloifi doesn`t play some time for the REDS on the wing. Graham has to go forthewith.. 11. Junior Laloifi – Sunnybank 12. Henry Taefu – Sunnybank 13. Samu Kerevi – Reds/GPS 14. Chris Kuridrani – Reds/GPS 15. Karmichael Hunt – Reds/Brothers
Brett McKay
Expert
There's some beauties Crowie. Make sure you get to one, if there's one nearby..
Brett McKay
Expert
Came back mid year, Bazza. Has signed a deal with the Brumbies..
RobC
Roar Guru
AA came back couple or so months ago. I wondered why he was let go by Reds. I guess there's some clarity now.
Cpt crow eater
Guest
Thanks for the write up Brett! Pretty excited about the games this weekend!
bazza
Guest
Albert Anae ?? I thought he took the coin in europe
Brett McKay
Expert
Somewhat dampened by Higginbotham being ruled out with a groin strain, unfortunately, John..
Brett McKay
Expert
It appears I may have jinxed the Vikings: Aidan Toua pinged a hammy at training on Tuesday night, apparently, and is out for the Brisbane City game.. UC Vikings name side for top of the table showdown with Brisbane City The University of Canberra Vikings will field a near full-strength side for Saturday afternoon’s Buildcorp National Rugby Championship matchup against defending premiers, Brisbane City. After wrapping up the side’s first semi-final appearance with last week’s 42-16 bonus point victory over Melbourne Rising, the UC Vikings will be looking to remain undefeated against the competition heavyweights when they clash at Viking Park. Fullback Aidan Toua who scored one of the tries of the season in last week’s win, will miss the match after pulling up sore at training earlier this week. He will be replaced in the Starting XV by Isaac Thompson who started last week’s match as a reserve. Rodney Iona, who missed last week’s win at Viking Park due to a shoulder injury, returns to inside centre meaning James Dargaville moves out to the wing. Mitch Third is the other new face in the side this week. The young flyhalf/fullback has been named as a reserve following some strong performances for the ACT Griffins. The match at Viking Park on Saturday afternoon is being billed as one of the biggest on record for the NRC. It will feature the only two undefeated sides in the 2015 competition, and a number of Wallabies representatives including Christian Lealiifano, Ben Alexander for the UC Vikings and Liam Gill from Brisbane City. Head Coach Brad Harris says the UC Vikings will need to shut down Brisbane City’s dangerous back three which includes the competition’s leading try-scorer Junior Laloifi, former league and AFL player Karmichael Hunt and Tevita Kuridrani’s cousin Chris Kuridrani. “They’ve got significant attacking threats,” Harris said. “They’ve got a massive backline that can play and will offload. “We’re going to have to be very much on our game defensively to nullify that.” Saturday afternoon’s match will be the final game of the regular season at Viking Park before the Vikings will host a semi-final on either Friday 23 October or Saturday 24 October. Meantime, UC Vikings lock Dave McKern has signed an 18 month deal to play with Jersey in the English Championship. McKern was a member of the inaugural UC Vikings squad in 2014, playing in four games for the side. McKern impressed with his physicality as well as lineout jumping ability and was a standout member of the ACT Griffins side in 2015. The undefeated Griffins will play their final match of 2015 against a Newcastle Development Side as a curtain-raiser for Saturday’s match between the UC Vikings and Brisbane City. Kick-off for that match is 12:10pm at Viking Park. UC Vikings v Brisbane City – Viking Park, Wanniassa 2:00pm Saturday 10 October 1. Allan Alaalatoa 2. Robbie Abel 3. Ben Alexander 4. Rory Arnold 5. Blake Enever 6. Jordan Smiler 7. Jarrad Butler © 8. Ita Vaea 9. Joe Powell 10. Christian Lealiifano 11. Lausii Taliauli 12. Rodney Iona 13. Nigel Ah Wong 14. James Dargaville 15. Isaac Thompson RESERVES 16. Albert Anae 17. Sione Taula 18. Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin 19. Dean Oakman-Hunt 20. Rowan Perry 21. Brent Hamlin 22. Mitch Third 23. Frankie Fainifo Head Coach – Brad Harris
Brett McKay
Expert
Yeah agree, biggest NRC game I've called this year, for sure..
Brett McKay
Expert
North Harbour team now, to play Qld Country.. Rays' Adams now centre of attention MACQUARIE UNI North Harbour Rays selectors have moved Michael Adams to outside centre for the Rays Buildcorp National Rugby Championship match against Queensland Country at Pittwater Rugby Park on Saturday, October 10. Adams, who has spent much of the NRC season on the wing and performed well, steps into the No.13 jersey of Dennis Pili-Gaitau in a team with minimal changes from last week. Pili-Gaitau will work off the bench and head coach Geoff Townsend is hoping that he will have a considerable influence when he comes on to the field. “Mick (Adams) likes the outside channels and he plays them well so in some ways we are signaling that we are going to go out there and have a real crack at them,” Townsend said. “There’s an element of fatigue in the squad at the moment so in some ways this is throwing the fresher troops into the fray at the front end of the game. The fatigue of playing four Super Rugby aligned franchises (Perth Spirit, Melbourne Rising, Brisbane City and the UC Vikings) showed in our performance against the Greater Sydney Rams last week. “I’ve just been looking through the stats from that game and we more than doubled their tackle count over the course of the game. The fact that we got our nose in front against the Rams in many ways showed the resolve within this group of Rays but it has been a tough season for us with guys heading off for opportunities and a lack of depth in certain areas. “But there are two games to go and we are determined to have a red hot go in those matches and come away with some results.” Up front Lawrance Hunting has been brought into the front row at tighthead prop to try and stabilize the scrum. Hunting takes over from Alex Holmes who drops back to the bench. Hamish Angus, who had to quite the game against the Rams early when hit with back spasms has been declared fit and will take his place at fullback. The Rays missed him when he came off as his role as a second first receiver in general play takes the pressure of Sam Lane. Tom Hill, who rushed home from the Rams game to complete a 3000 word essay for his legal degree, has been selected on the wing after working off the bench for the past couple of games. Hill will play a roving role throughout the afternoon and will be tasked with taking the ball up when not required out wide. Another big afternoon is planned for the game at Rat Park with the Emerging Rays taking on an Illawarra Development XV and a Sevens Challenge between Manly and Warringah where every player has to weight over 100kg. There will be a live band after the game and also a gourmet barbecue. MACQUARIE UNI NORTH HARBOUR RAYS v QUEENSLAND COUNTRY 15. Hamish ANGUS (Warringah) 14. Tom HILL (Eastwood) 13. Michael Adams (Warringah) 12. Reece HODGE (Manly) 11. John PORCH (Northern Suburbs) 10. Sam LANE (Manly) 9. Josh HOLMES (Warringah) 8. Harry RORKE (Gordon) 7. Boyd KILLINGWORTH (Warringah) 6. Harry BERGELIN (Manly) 5. Ryan MELROSE (Manly) 4. Ruairidh WILSON (Gordon) 3. Lawrance HUNTING (Northern Suburbs) 2. Luke HOLMES (captain, Warringah) 1. Mitch LEWIS (Manly) RESERVES: 16. Vance ELLIOTT (Manly) 17 Rory O’CONNOR (Gordon) 18. Alex HOLMES (Bond University) 19. Cameron TRELOAR (Warringah) 20. Mitch DANIEL (Manly) 21. Tim DONLAN (Manly) 22. Dennis PILI-GAITAU (Manly) 23. Sione ALA (Gordon)