Last year’s champions, Perth Spirit, are aiming to bounce back from their last-start loss when they host the struggling Sydney Rays. Join The Roar for live scores of the match from 5pm (AEDT).
Perth could’ve locked up a spot in the top four with a win last time out, but now a loss this weekend could see them slip out of finals contention – such is the congested nature of the top of the table.
The Spirit currently sit fifth, one spot outside the finals, but could finish as high as second if results go their way in the remaining two rounds.
Ben McCalman returns to the starting side at number 8, while Michael Ruru and Peter Grant continue their relationship at 9 and 10. Nick Jooste comes into the side at fullback, Jordan Luke taking his place on the pine.
One thing Perth do very well is spoil ball at the breakdown, and slow things down. It was the foundation of their title win last year, and they’ve lost none of their defensive tenacity this season. McCalman’s return to the starting XV should only bolster this, and it should be too much for this young Rays side to handle.
For the Rays, Irae Simone shifts to inside centre, while Nick Duffy drops to the bench, replaced by young gun Harry Nucifora.
Bryce Hegarty’s return at five-eighth should provide some stability to another young side that has struggled to gain a foothold in a competitive 2017 competition.
Prediction
Perth to bounce back from the disappointing loss.
The Spirit by 24.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
The short weeks are done and dusted, with six more games in the regular season before we head into finals. The Crowd extended their…
The Melbourne Rebels may have traded while insolvent for more than five years, giving rise to potential breach of director duty claims for the…
The ACT Brumbies’ struggles against New Zealand opposition in 2024 has been a shock. The side is heavily laden with Wallabies and has strong…
He was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, and is remembered as one of the great Māori players.
And then, there were two. The NSW Waratahs and Fijian Drua will meet at Ballymore to decide who lifts the Super Rugby Women's trophy,…
Ned Hanigan is one of the in-form forwards in Australian rugby who looks set to finally turn promise into quality on the international stage,…
