To kick off Round 7 of the NRC, the Greater Sydney Rams host Queensland Country, with the race towards finals gathering momentum. Join The Roar for a game preview and live score updates from 1pm (AEDT).
Both clubs are coming from solid performances, but only Queensland Country can boast having won – narrowly overcoming NSW Country – the Rams being overpowered 57-31 by the high-flying Drua.
The Sydneysiders threw everything at the Fijians last week, and the game was in the balance until the 50th minute, but they were unable to hold out any longer, as the Drua ran in five tries in the last half hour. The Rams now sit seventh on the ladder, facing a tough task to qualify for the finals.
Hugh Roach was impressive in the loss, the big hooker playing 71 minutes and really testing the powerful opposition pack. Along with a try in the first half, Roach ran 41 metres with the ball in hand, and made four offloads and nine tackles.
Queensland are the in-form team of the NRC, having only lost one game this season. They are third on the ladder but have already had their bye, unlike the Drua and Vikings, who are in front. Coach Brad Thorn obviously has the knack for coaching, as his team has gone from strength to strength this season.
However, the Queenslanders need to sort out their game management, having almost blown a 31-point lead to NSW Country.
Izaia Perese continued his outstanding form last weekend, scoring another try, while running for a total of 100 metres and beating six defenders.
Prediction
Country are on fire, their forwards constantly providing a stable platform for their exciting backline, meaning the Rams will have to endure another tough match-up.
Queensland to win comfortably 45-14
Paulo
Roar Rookie
I was there, don't agree. See-saw game, up to the 70th minute Rams were one try down. Then the floodgates opened.
Terry
Guest
Paulo, It was a thrashing, just admit it.
Harry
Guest
Yep great viewing though have to say $20 to get in I thought too steep. $10 fair enough.
Harry
Guest
Is Quade still managed by Khoder Nasser? If so, expect a return to boxing. I actually think he's playing some good football and lets see how he goes under Thorn next year. With favoured son Beale back in the Wallabies, can't see Cheika bringing Quade back any time soon. The Reds have some good 10's coming through ... Stewart, and the even more promising IMO youngest Lucas brother. Plus Duncan can play there.
Riddler
Guest
Haven't seen much of Duncan fionn. Hope he gets some game time at 10. Tuttle seems good.. hope he steps it up at 9 next year .. I have a sneaking feeling next year could be interesting for Cooper. . Hope he goes okay but can see him pulling the pin and taking cash from japan. What do u think matey?
Paul D
Guest
Poor ball security was the cause of many of the Rams problems across the park. While the ref was pretty lenient on what constituted supporting your own weight, it was just bad ruck security and loose carries and passing that cost them. A real shame because they were in it at times more than the scoreline suggests.
Harry
Guest
Watched this with a couple of hundred others today and would observe: -Tuttle more than held his own against Phipps and IMO is the front runner to start for the Reds next year, looks a complete half and good goalkicker as well. -Reds should sign Daugunu, seems to have a good football brain as well as being a genuine finisher. -Slipper looked fit and strong on his return. Maybe not for next week's test but hopefully will do the end of season NH tour. -Duncan Paia'Aua is all class these days, depth at 12 looking strong with Beale, Hunt and Meakes also there. - Both young tens need to eliminate simple errors from their games but definite potential. - Qld Country pack very good, both young second-rowers great prospects. - For the Rams, Holloway stood out among the forwards and Roach tried hard. Naiyaravoro his usual power threat but needs to improve his ball security.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Except for the last five to ten minutes, a great and entertaining game, well worth my money and my time. I frequently find these NRC games more fun to watch than most SR games, and fifteen tries in a match is great to watch. As someone noted, the big difference was in the centres. The Rams centres were fine on attack (although they seemed more like forwards), but on defence they were no match to the QLD pair (which played well). Shame as at 31 to 38 with ten to go I thought we could sneak it in, but instead they blew out the score with two intercept tries and a lucky one. I thought the forwards battle was really tight, very even. Sometimes the Rams carrying the ball were without support, which shouldn't happen, gave away some turnovers due to that. Roach and Jeb had good games, kudos to both (except for Jeb kicking a dead ball after a penalty which resulted in an extra ten against us, unnecessary). Nick Phipps was very sharp in the passing, very good. Scored an opportunistic try which was very nice. Mack indeed had an off game, he played much better in previous Rams matches. His kicking was poor too. I was happier with Takele this game. He's always dangerous on attack, but this time his defensive positioning was much better, he made many good tackles too. Hope he keeps improving these two aspects. Needs to improve his control in the finishing of his runs - when he gets tackled, he's often alone, needs to control the tackle until support comes or offload better; at least three times QLD turned over his balls. Only other player I know by name is the other winger, John, thought he had a good match. Hope he gets a SR contract, is deserving it. Thought that from the performance in the first games we were going to classify for the finals for the first time, looking unlikely now. Shame, it's not a bad team, just some deficiencies to correct. Shame also the crowd was so small. I know it was a drizzly day, but not heavy rain. It's great rugby to watch, worth attending.
Paul D
Guest
The young 10 that QC has is very handy. Will be a good player in a few years.
Paul D
Guest
The young 10 that QC has is very handy. Will be a good player in a few years.
Fionn
Guest
He's a good player is Duncan. I really hope he moves to 10 after Quade goes though, as Australia is totally bereft of young 10s.
Josh
Guest
Where is Greater Sydney ?
Paul D
Guest
12. Playing a bit like Beale. As a deeper playmaker. Too quick and evasive for the amateur Rams centres.
Fionn
Guest
Is Dunacan P playing 10 or 12?
Paul D
Guest
Mason having a terrible game. Duncan P and Perese are a class above.