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The NSW Country Eagles survived a fightback from Melbourne Rising, ultimately running out the winners by 2 points on Sunday afternoon.
Final score
NSW Country Eagles 32
Melbourne Rising 30
The New South Wales Country Eagles will be looking to extend their dream start to the 2016 NRC season when they host the Melbourne Rising.
The first two weeks of the NRC season seemed daunting for the NSW Country Eagles, being scheduled to face defending champions Brisbane City in week one and then City’s grand final opponents the UC Vikings in week two.
However, it was the Country Eagles that looked like the championship caliber side, first shutting out Brisbane for the 10-point win, before destroying the Vikings 28-60 in Canberra last week.
The Country Eagles were up 60-nil after 60 minutes, before becoming complacent in defense and conceding 28 points in the last 20 minutes.
The Country Eagles have made just the one change to their squad, with Angus Roberts starting as fullback to replace Andrew Kellaway, who will not be travelling to Tamworth for the game.
After losing their opening game, the Melbourne Rising got themselves back on track with a 46-32 win over Queensland Country.
The Rising, who were semi-finalists in 2015, will be boosted by the return of several players to their starting line-up.
Cruze Ah Nau, Pat Leafa and Harley Fox will all make their way back to the squad, as will Sefa Naivalu who has been released from Wallabies duty.
Prediction
If the Country Eagles can remain consistent, there’s no reason they can’t go three-in-a-row. However, if they shut off in defense, Melbourne Rising will take full advantage.
NSW Country Eagles by 20
Kick-off: 3pm AEST
Venue: Tamworth Rugby Park
Table position: NSW Country Eagles second, Melbourne Rising third
Last meeting: Melbourne Rising 23 – 16 NSW Country EaglesNSW Country
Paddy Ryan, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson, Ned Hanigan, Tim Buchanan, Sam Figg, Rowan Perry, Sam Ward, Jake Gordon, Andrew Deegan, Alex Newsome, Kyle Godwin, David Horwitz, Reece Robinson, Angus Roberts.
Bench: Folau Fa’ainga, Jed Gillespie, Sam Needs, Ryan McCauley, Tom Cusack, Mark Baldwin, Sam Croke, Tayler Adams, Charlie Clifton, Tom Hill (two to be omitted).
Melbourne Rising
Cruze Ah Nau, Pat Leafa Tim Metcher, Sam Jeffries, Steve Cummins, Alex Toolis, Jordy Reid, Harley Fox, Nic Stirzaker, Ben Meehan, Jonah Placid, Sione Tuipulotu, Tom English, Ah-Mu Tuimalealiifano, Jack Debreczeni.
Bench: Siliva, Tom Moloney, Tyrel Lomax, Rob Leota, Ikapote Tupai, Mick Snowden, Lloyd Johansson, Sefa Naivalu.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.