The NSW Country Eagles are into the final of the National Rugby Championship after a 50-24 win against Melbourne Rising in their semi-final in Newcastle on Saturday.
Winger Reece Robinson, back-rower Samuel Figg and scrumhalf Jake Gordon each scored two tries as NSW Country secured a home final, which will be played in Tamworth next weekend.
Second-rower Rohan O’Reegan scored Country’s other try in the seven-tries-to-three romp.
But the minor premiers were forced to play catch-up, after Wallabies back Sefanaia Naivalu scored the opening try for Melbourne in the first minute.
Five minutes later hooker Pat Leafa barged over in the corner to help Rising earn a 16-0 lead.
NSW then scored 42 unanswered points to effectively put the game beyond Melbourne, although Rising flanker Jordy Reid scored a try with 15 minutes to go to trim the margin to 18.
But Gordon slipped through from close range to score a try at the death and put the icing on Country’s dominant display.
“It was a really great performance from the Eagles, they really showed their class in the last 50-60 minutes of the game,” Rising head coach Zane Hilton said.
“We’re really happy with the way that we started and there were certainly some performances that matched what we were after but we just weren’t good enough today.”
Sydney Rays host Perth Spirit on Sunday to determine who travels to Tamworth to play NSW Country in the NRC final next weekend.
Paul
Guest
Figg just needs some 15's bulk. His tackle percentage is probably the best in the comp. He may not dominate in contact but he's got plenty of potential.
Cynical Play
Roar Rookie
I thought Naivalu was exposed defensively. Gordon os the best attacking No 9 in the country. Genia not included.
Squirrel
Guest
The public interest has been incredible.
jameswm
Roar Guru
He was good, but not sure he will be a standout at the next level, not yet anyway. Certainy has a good pass. Naivalu and Reece Robinson both good. Godwin not a Wallaby right now, sorry. He is pretty solid but way behind Beale, Toomua, Kerevi etc at 12. Tom Robertson good on attack, not a standout in the scrums though he was opposing Toby Smith and not sure how much help he got from his locks. Latu and Leafa pretty good, Figg good in attack but not physical enough yet.
ethan
Guest
I haven't seen much NRC this year, but I was really impressed with Gordon last year. He wasn't getting as many plaudits then, but I'm glad he is now. Hopefully he can crack some regular Super Rugby time next year.
Cynical Play
Guest
Jake Gordon Jake Gordon Jake Gordon Wallaby group Wallaby group Wallaby group hurry, hurry, hurry