The Perth Spirit have recorded a hard-fought, important six-point victory at Concord Oval on Saturday Afternoon in the NRC, keeping the Western Sydney Rams winless so far this season.
The damage was done in the first half for the Spirit, as they put their foot down and never looked back, with the Rams unable to come back during a low-scoring second half.
Final Score
Western Sydney Rams 24
Perth Spirit 30
The Western Sydney Rams will be searching for their first win of 2016 when they take on Perth Spirit at Concord Oval.
Coming off back-to-back losses first at the hands of the Sydney Rays, and then defending champions Brisbane City in their last fixture, the Western Sydney Rams have found themselves playing catch up early in the tournament.
The Rams will be calling Concord Oval home for the first time, and will be eager for their first home game of 2016 to be a positive experience.
Western Sydney will be without Hugh Roach, but still have plenty to look forward to, with the addition of Olympic gold medallist Vatemo Ravouvou into their squad.
Ravouvou will be making his NRC debut, playing as fullback.
Perth Spirit started off 2016 with a narrow four-point victory over the Melbourne Rising, but their defensive troubles continued into week two with a 28-8 loss against the Sydney Rays.
The Spirit started off strong with a third-minute try via Ryan Louwrens, which was converted by Jonno Lance, but it was all downhill from there for the Perth side.
Unexpectedly, the Spirit have made plenty of changes, with Harry Scoble moving back to his role as hooker, and former winger Onehunga Havili moving to lock.
Prediction
This one looks like it will be a tight affair, but with Western Sydney needing points and the Spirit’s poor defensive form, the Rams should take it in a close affair.
Rams by 2
Kick-off: 1pm AEST
Venue: Concord Oval
Table position: Rams seventh, Spirit sixth
Last meeting: Rams 39 -63 SpiritWestern Sydney Rams
Matt Gibbon, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Lolohea, Fili Tufui, Senio Toleafoa, Ngarue Jones, Tupou Sopoaga, Rhys Allen, Scott Gale, Paul Asquith, Luke Smart, Apo Latunipulu, Denny Godinet, Rob Buaserau, Vatemo Ravouvou.
Bench: Aaron Blacklock, Andrew Tuala, Jack Payne, Taunaola Kei, Tom Alexander, Harrison Goddard, Mitch Walton, Albert Nikoro.Perth Spirit
Laione Mulikihaamea, Harry Scoble, Shambeckler Vui, Kieran Stringer, Onehunga Havili, Brynard Stander, Kane Koteka, Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Jono Lance, Eric Vasukicakau, Bill Meakes, Ammon Matuauti, James Wepener, Manihera Eden.
Bench: Tom Sheminant, Mees Erasmus, Chris Heiberg, Russell Burges, Hadleigh May, Michael Ruru, AJ Alatimu, Ben Tapuai.
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