In the last game of the regular season of the NRC, Queensland Country, coming off a morale-boosting win in Fiji, host the Perth Spirit. Join The Roar for live scores and a game preview from 5pm (AEDT)
Under Brad Thorn, Country’s turnaround has been incredible.
Finishing last in 2016, the Queenslanders have the opportunity to finish the regular season on top of the table, which only adds to their coach’s already legendary career as a player.
Queensland’s rugged defence and tactical kicking held them in the game against the Drua. The Fijians made twice the number of metres with the ball in hand, and, confusingly, made 40 more tackles.
Taniela Tupou had another strong outing, making 40 metres off seven carries. The ‘Tongan Thor’ has continued his development this year and has played a critical part in Country’s winning form.
As for the Spirit, they will be ruing their game last weekend, having missed a perfect chance to secure a finals spot, suffering a shock 44-31 loss at home against the Rays and dropping to sixth on the ladder.
Only two rounds ago, Perth were on track in their premiership defence; now, they must get a bonus-point victory and hope the Drua lose their match to qualify for the top four.
They will also be without a decent number of their starting team, who are involved in the Barbarians game.
Captain Michael Ruru has been outstanding for the Spirit this year at halfback and is leading the competition in try assists.
Prediction
It’s difficult to predict when there is almost a starting-15 worth of players missing from both teams.
But Queensland were understrength in Fiji last weekend, so should continue their strong run to the end of the competition and grind out a victory.
Country 29-17
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
A lot of stars aligned to make this happen. The Draw effectively knocked 2 both teams down the ladder, opening the door, just a Crack for the Spirit. I have no qualms saying that it had a Bradbury-esque feel to it, but there is probably a bit of karmic justice in the result. With Force v Spirit playing out in the Baa Baa's Game, it was left to the Clubbies to stay on their feet to cross the finish line. And boy, the Clubbies stepped up and got the Job done! Add the usual Ritchie Arnold "Giraffes gone wild" Savannah land grab and some meters from Mikey "The other Skywalker" Hardwick and they snatched victory from defeat. Well done Piggies! And good work Qld Country, they had some pretty good moments and I expect them to be hard to beat in the future.
ForceFan
Guest
You couldn't ask for an NRC team to be more Club Rugby than today's Perth Spirit team against Queensland Country. A whole heap playing their very first NRC game. 6 other players from Western Force broader squad. Good time to get the 1st away win for the season. Should be a cracker of a game in Canberra next week.
andrewM
Guest
Spirit really left their season to the last minute! Good to see so many players make the step up. That'll shut Joe up
AndyS
Guest
Big finish!
andrewM
Guest
wow!! this is getting exciting!
andrewM
Guest
Good to see Perth getting back into the match