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Vikings vs Perth Spirit highlights: Spirit by 6
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
7th October, 2016
2
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The NRC is a vital pathway, but it can't come at the expense of viable Super Rugby franchises. (Photo Karen Watson)
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
7th October, 2016
2

The University of Canberra Vikings cannot afford to lose when they host Perth Spirit at Viking Park.

Coming off two straight losses, the UC Vikings must win in order to have a shot at making the semi-finals, and even then it’s not a sure thing.

UC Vikings need the Melbourne Rising to lose their match against the Rays tomorrow as well, which, on paper, seems like the likely scenario.

The Vikings were dominated 58-14 in their last match against the Sydney Rays, and despite looking good earlier in the season, the Canberra side has seen a severe decline in form.

Former Wallabies prop Ben Alexander comes into the Vikings side, as well as Andrew Smith. Sam Carter and Jarrad Butler are also in the XV.

Despite an inconsistent season, Perth Spirit find themselves one win away from a guaranteed semi-final position.

The Spirit are not completely safe unless they win, although their chances of progression look good either way.

Coming off a 38-point win over 2015 champions Brisbane City, the Spirit will be full of confidence heading into Canberra.

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Jonno Lance returns to the Spirit, and they will no doubt be boosted by his return.

The last time these two sides met was last year in Perth. It was a back-and-forth affair, but eventually Canberra got the better of Perth and took home the close 3-point win.

Prediction
The UC Vikings haven’t looked great at all in recent weeks, but chances are they will come out swinging for this one. The Spirit are coming off a big win, and won’t be looking to take unnecessary chances. This one could end up becoming game of the week.

Spirit by 3

Kick-off: 3pm AEDT
Venue: Viking Park, Canberra
Table position: Spirit third, Vikings fifth
Last meeting: Spirit 23 – 26 Vikings

CANBERRA: Sione Taula, Josh Mann-Rea, Ben Alexander, Tom Staniforth, Sam Carter, Jordan Smiler, Dan Penca, Jarrad Butler (c), Joe Powell, Isaac Thompson, Lausii Taliauli, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Andrew Smith, Eli Sinoti, Robbie Coleman (c).
Bench: Robbie Abel, Faalelei Sione, Raymond Dobson, Blake Enever, Dean Oakman-Hunt, Brent Hamlin, Alex Horan, Nick Jooste.

PERTH: Pek Cowan, Heath Tessman, Jermaine Ainsley, Kieran Stringer, Onehunga Havili, Ross Haylett-Petty, Richard Hardwick, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Jonno Lance, Eric Vasukicakau, Ben Tapuai, Billy Meakes, Marcel Brache, Manihera Eden.
Bench: Anaru Rangi, Shambeckler Vui, Grayson Knapp, Michael Ruru, Ryan Louwrens, AJ Alatimu, Semisi Masirewa.

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