It’s the last opportunity for NSW Country to save their season when they play the Perth Spirit at Scully Park in Tamworth. The Roar will keep you updated with live scores from kickoff, at 3pm (AEDT).
The Country boys almost finished off an incredible comeback in their game against Queensland Country last weekend. Down 31-0, they piled on the tries to just come up short, 34-31.
Still, the Eagles have had a dud 2017, never quite able to replicate the great form that saw them make the grand final last year. Mathematically they are a chance to make the finals, however it’s a challenge made harder considering they are about to play the reigning premiers.
Andrew Kellaway scored a late double in last week’s comeback and the young fullback has had a solid season with Eagles after topping the try-scoring list last year. Just as he did last week, look for Kellaway to make the most of his limited opportunities.
The Spirit are on track to defend their title, but coming off the inconvenient bye round, they will be keen to get back into the winner’s circle.
Perth have had a number of outstanding performances this season, but dropped big games against the top two teams in the competition – the Vikings and the Drua. In their most recent game, they beat Brisbane City 28-62, making it near impossible to predict what they will do next.
Flyhalf Peter Grant has a cool head and is consistent with the boot – against Brisbane he hit five from five. Grant doesn’t mind taking it to the line either, making 60 metres off eight carries in his last outing.
Prediction
This grand final rematch should have all the makings of an absolute belter, but the Eagles’ form issues make it difficult to see anything other than a good Spirit victory.
Sure, the men from the country will toil their best, but Perth will ultimately be too strong.
Spirit to win 31-17
John R
Roar Guru
That's not the NSW way mate ;)
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I though that as the high road? ;) Low road would've been saying something along the lines of "Is that the best WA has got?" But I'm not like that...
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Part of that is merely circumstance though with Waratahs players injured or in the Wallaby squad and the other half is that the results are quite deceptive. NSW Country have had very close losses to Vikings and QLD Country this year. Last weekend was the stongest team on paper that NSW Country have had all year and it showed in the results. They likely would have performed better in previous games if they'd had this team all season. If not for the poor loss to the Rams, they would be sitting 4th in fact.
Fionn
Guest
I think that Fiji will always be favourites at home, so I guess it depends on whether or not they get a home semifinal? It'd be nice to see Fiji get the win. I still think it is a strange call having Paia'aua as the backup 10 (allegedly), but it is nice to see him in the squad. I think both he and Perese will be very good players in a couple of years.
John R
Roar Guru
If I had to pick, I'd probably still put my money on the Drua, but QLD Country are looking bloody good alright. Stoked to see Paia'aua picked up in the Wallabies squad as well. Perese's try was a moment of individual brilliance, but Paia'aua had a fair bit to do with getting him that close to the line.
Fionn
Guest
I think the result leaves QLD Country, Vikings and Fiji as the three favourites. I suspect QLD Country are overall favourites though.
John R
Roar Guru
Especially considering NSW Country aren't anywhere near 2016 form.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Was a very bad loss for the Spirit's season. Leaves them relying on defeating a strong QLD Country in the last round with a lot of players missing due to the Barbarians game. I think they will certainly rue this loss as a winnable game.
John R
Roar Guru
Take the high road mate. You don't want to take a page out of that blokes book.
Train Without A Station
Guest
He was probably referencing the fact that the Spirit had 18 Super Rugby players in their 23...
Stu B
Guest
NSW country's captain lost me in the after match interview when he said how great a side he had to beat a super rugby team. Poor form son and hope you are a better man in other areas and if you could read the papers Perth don't have a super team.
Red Block
Guest
Next time my kids misbehave, I'm going to make them watch replays of this game as punishment. The skills on display were awful!
ScottD
Guest
The best team on the day won
Paul D
Guest
Well done NSW Country! Crazyhorse is pretty silent... ?
ScottD
Guest
Spirit just can't break through the country defence
ScottD
Guest
Spirit just can't break through the country defence
ScottD
Guest
Country scrum on top early but I get a sence that the Spirit pack just might be fitter as they seem to be just edging country atm. Hard to tell though. 2nd half will be interesting
ScottD
Guest
Country with a strong breeze will need to make the most of it by half time. It's probably worth 10 points if you can use it well
ForceFan
Guest
The one-sided commentary on FoxSports is tiresome to the extreme. Staniforth with his elbows on the ground while he "steals" the ball becomes a comment of: "Staniforth must have JUST been not supporting his weight".