Perth Spirit have prevented an all-NSW National Rugby Championship grand final after belting the Sydney Rays 42-24 on Sunday.
The Spirit scored scored six tries to three at Pittwater Park in northern Sydney to book a place in the decider against minor premiers NSW Country Eagles in Tamworth on Saturday night.
The Eagles booked their grand final spot on Saturday with a 50-24 victory over Melbourne Rising in Newcastle.
A new champion will be crowned, with Brisbane City winning the two previous titles.
Both winning semi-finalists came from 16-0 down.
Five-eighth Ian Prior scored two tries for Perth, who also got a couple from lineout drives, as they won their way into a second NRC grand final.
On Saturday, back-rower Sam Figg, winger Reece Robinson and halfback Jake Gordon each scored two tries in the Eagles’ emphatic fightback.
They will contest their first grand final.
Squirrel
Guest
Perth have the Sydney based players if their super team. Of course they will be stronger. Wa should be given the heave oh they are all Sydney players.
ScottD
Guest
Yes, especially pleasing that the Spirit have given some newcomers a run and for the most part they have been successful. A number of new signings for the Force have come out of the Spirit ready for next season. In fact the same can be said of the other franchises so well done ARU for supporting the NRC
30mm tags
Guest
There Is good quality leadership within the Spirit. Coming back from 16 nil to win shows character. Ian Prior is looking good and with a final v NSW Country it will be a great event at Tamworth. The Brisbane City team must be wondering how the Spirit forwards used their forwards as a pck , so effectively in comparison. Force are creating momentum in the West
ScottD
Guest
Well Spiro, are you going to write another article claiming that Perth rugby is weak and the Force should relocate to Western Sydney? Or are you going to man up and admit that the development of rugby in WA is moving forward exactly as was hoped when the Force was set up? Wouldn't it be bad if Spirit won the final mate.That would mean that WA teams had beaten first the Brumbies 10 team to win the club 10's and then NSW country to win the NRC. We couldn't have that. All good fun brother and in my view a good thing to see a truly national NRC final.