The University of Canberra Vikings host Melbourne Rising for the second time in a month, however this time it’s all-or-nothing for both sides. Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) for live scores of this NRC semi-final clash.
The Vikings have been on fire all year, only losing one game.
Furthermore, they head into the first semi-final coming off a dominant 36-point win over Queensland Country at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Despite securing a semi-final position weeks ago, the Vikings have not allowed themselves to coast, playing consistent, attractive rugby week-in, week-out.
Canberra are favourites to make the grand final, where they may get a chance to avenge their only 2015 loss, to Brisbane City, should the minor premiers get past the Sydney Stars.
The Rising were forced to dig deep and rely on a bit of luck to make the semi-finals.
Melbourne defeated the Sydney Stars by eight points in Frankston to make the final four, breaking the hearts of the New South Wales Country Eagles, who were pushed back into fifth place.
After a shaky start to the 2015 season – losing their first two games, and scraping past the North Harbour Rays and Greater Sydney Rams by five and one point respectively – Melbourne are out to prove they belong in the finals.
When these two sides faced off earlier this month, it was a fairly even contest for the first 25 minutes, before the Vikings ran away with the game for a 46-12 win, with reserve Francis Fainifo proving his worth for the Vikings with two late tries.
Prediction
If they keep playing the way they have all season, the Vikings should find themselves in the final without too much hassle.
Vikings by 20.
Will the University of Canberra Vikings make it to the 2015 NRC grand final in front of their home fans, or can Melbourne Rising keep the fairytale alive? Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) for live scores.
Brett McKay
Expert
One of the Law Variations in NRC is that the defending half-back cannot enter the 'pocket' between flanker and number 8, and in case, Meehan dove onto the ball while it was still in front of Butler's feet and still in the scrum. Even without the LV in place, that's a clear infringement that prevented a try being scored, and therefore a penalty try. Meehan's probably lucky to stay on the field, if we're honest, it was a pretty obvious and cynical professional foul..
Utah
Guest
Great game. Near perfect fly-half performance by Lealiifano. The best I've seen him play.
lao hu
Guest
the NRC is serving its purpose as a pathway from JG Cup competition
mattocks
Guest
Agree. not a penalty try. but it was game over by then pretty much anyway. As a melbourne rebel and rising fan the commentary with clear bias toward canberra was annoying. Still the NRC as a whole has been good and good to watch.
Decs
Guest
Can someone explain why that was a penalty try. Yes Canberra had dominance, however Melbourne stayed straight, despite going backwards. The ball was over the line which puts the halfback onside, when he picked it up.