The second local derby of round two of the NRC is between the Sydney Rays and the Greater Sydney Rams. Join The Roar for live scores from the game on September 10, 3pm (AAEST) at Macquarie University.
The Greater Sydney Rams made an impressive statement in their opening game last week. They registered a 44-23 victory against last year’s grand finalist and runner up, the NSW Country Eagles.
The Rays had a bye in the first round and will be welcomed into the competition with a local derby with the winner taking all of the bragging rights.
The last time these two sides met was in round one of the 2016 competition, the Rays easily took care of business by piling 50 points on a hapless Rams side.
Angus Sinclair – Sydney Rays: The last time these two teams played, Sinclair kicked 4 from 7 conversions and expertly led his backline. The big flyhalf has enough experience in the competition to carry his team to victory.
Taqele Naiyaravoro – Greater Syndey Rams: It’s hard to look past Naiyaravoro for a player who will have a large impact on the game. The blockbusting winger, famous for his strong running and big hits, will continue his fine form this weekend. He scored one try while playing the full 80 minutes, silencing any doubt over his endurance.
The Rays have a hard task taking on Greater Sydney after missing the opening round. The Rams will have the extra benefit of having played a full match together, and, despite the history between the teams, should secure a win.
Rams to win, 33-28.
Harry
Guest
Precisely, seems to have the ability to manage a game.
Harry
Guest
Give him time, he's only young.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
I've only seen Mason play a few minutes for the Tahs, and last week and this week for the Rams. Last week he was very good, orchestrated the victory. Disagree his in-game kicking is poor, from last week and this week it looked pretty good (better than Foley, but that's not saying much) . Defensively he put in the tackles as well, even on the big guys. Didn't see him making big line breaks, he mostly distributed or went into contact, so no opinion. I was at all these games, it may look different on TV (didn't watch the recordings), but he seemed pretty good to me. Only 20, still in good time to develop.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I don't get the Mason wraps. Not a great punter, long passer, runner or defender. Just a slower less skilled version of Foley. Holloway went pretty well though, and the Rays FB is a psopsect.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Courier Mail reporting the QLD stuff it seems
Paulo
Roar Rookie
It was a great game, really enjoyed it. Helped that the sun was out, beautiful weather for rugby. Rams won it on the strength of their forwards, with Jed and Hugh having great games. Mack Mason wasn't as sharp as last week, but still good. I liked the Rams 14 as well, he looks like a hot prospect. Agree regarding Taquele, but he was better this week than last week. What's up with the Rams defence positioning? The Ray's managed more than nine clear line breaks (7 in the first half alone). Fortunately they got few points out of them, but still this needs to be corrected. Happy to have attended, just disappointed with the crowd. It's great rugby, of a high standard, more entertaining than Super Rugby. Really worth going to see. Média is ignoring it, which is sad. Not a word in SMH and other majors, and it's quiet even on the Roar.
Harry
Guest
Pretty good game this one. Defence and the set piece nothing to write home about, at all, but some wonderful attack. The Rays fullback is a real fancy stepper and has explosive speed. Naiyaravoro hard to tackle but still needs to work on other aspects of his game. Other Tahs peripherals Jed Holloway, Hugh Roach and Mack Mason all showing something, which I like to see at this level. Roach leading the Rams pack to put what should be a match winning gap with 10 minutes to go.