• Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
    • ACT Brumbies
    • Melbourne Rebels
    • NSW Waratahs
    • Queensland Reds
    • Western Force
  • Wallabies
    • All Blacks
    • Argentina
    • Barbarians
    • British & Irish Lions
    • England
    • Fiji
    • France
    • Ireland
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Samoa
    • Scotland
    • Wales
  • Women’s Rugby
  • Rugby World Cup
    • 2023 Rugby World Cup Fantasy League
  • Sevens
  • Schoolboy
  • Podcast

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Game Review: England v Chile – Pool D – Saturday 23 September

September 24, 2023

Game Review: Georgia V Portugal – Pool C – Saturday 23 September

September 24, 2023

Game Review: South Africa V Ireland – Pool B – Saturday 23 September

September 24, 2023
Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter
Green and Gold Rugby
Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
    1. ACT Brumbies
    2. Melbourne Rebels
    3. NSW Waratahs
    4. Queensland Reds
    5. Western Force
    6. View All

    Friday’s Rugby News – 23/6/23

    June 22, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 12/6/23

    June 11, 2023

    Friday’s Rugby News – 9/6/23

    June 9, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 29/5/23

    May 28, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/5/23

    May 14, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 8/5/23

    May 7, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 29/5/23

    May 28, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/5/23

    May 14, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 8/5/23

    May 7, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Thursdays Rugby News 1/6/23

    June 1, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 29/5/23

    May 28, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/5/23

    May 14, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 29/5/23

    May 28, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/5/23

    May 14, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 8/5/23

    May 7, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News –Eddie Jones Is the Answer for Australian Rugby

    August 24, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – The Chocolate Wheel of Injustice

    August 17, 2023

    Thursdays Rugby News – May the Force Be With Them

    August 10, 2023

    Happy Thursday – Its Not a Conspiracy If They Are Picking On You

    August 3, 2023
  • Wallabies
    1. All Blacks
    2. Argentina
    3. Barbarians
    4. British & Irish Lions
    5. England
    6. Fiji
    7. France
    8. Ireland
    9. Italy
    10. Japan
    11. Samoa
    12. Scotland
    13. Wales
    14. View All

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    Game Review: France v New Zealand – Pool A – Friday 8 September

    September 9, 2023

    Friday’s Rugby News: C’est l’heure.

    September 8, 2023

    Game Review: Argentina v Samoa – Pool D – Friday 22 September

    September 22, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    Game Review: England v Argentina – Pool D – Saturday 9 September

    September 10, 2023

    Thursday’s Rugby News 25/5/23

    May 25, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/11/21

    November 15, 2021

    Monday’s Rugby News – 20/09/21

    September 20, 2021

    Five observations from the Barbarian match

    November 4, 2014

    Thursdays Rugby News 1/6/23

    June 1, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 13/3/23

    March 12, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 20/09/21

    September 20, 2021

    Thursdays Rugby News

    August 19, 2021

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Live Chat: England v Japan.

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Eddie Has to Go!

    September 18, 2023

    Live Chat & Game Review: Fiji v Australia – Pool D – Sunday 8 October

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    France v Namibia – Pool A – Thursday 21 September

    September 22, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    South Africa v Ireland: Live Chat

    September 24, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Live Chat: Ireland v Tonga

    September 17, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    The Chewsday Chew

    April 10, 2023

    Thursday’s Rugby News 16/3/23

    March 16, 2023

    Live Chat: England v Japan.

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Game Review: Japan v Chile – Pool D – Sunday 10 September

    September 10, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #7: It’s the Final Countdown!

    September 4, 2023

    Game Review: Argentina v Samoa – Pool D – Friday 22 September

    September 22, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 18th July 2022

    July 17, 2022

    Monday’s Rugby News – 11th July 2022

    July 10, 2022

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    Live Chat: South Africa v Scotland

    September 11, 2023

    Thursday’s Rugby News 9/2/23

    February 9, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Game Review: Fiji v Wales – Pool C – Sunday 10 September

    September 11, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    Live Chat: Wales v Fiji

    September 11, 2023

    Friday’s Rugby News: Utopia?

    September 22, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Eddie Has to Go!

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023
  • Women’s Rugby

    Compare and contrast of AU and NZ women’s rugby

    September 7, 2023

    Friday’s Rugby News: The Gaul of it.

    August 25, 2023

    Kirby Sefo on Women’s Rugby

    August 24, 2023

    Yowie on the Loose: World Cup squads, coach-helpers and some catch-up for women’s rugby

    August 23, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 24/7/23

    July 23, 2023
  • Rugby World Cup
    1. 2023 Rugby World Cup Fantasy League
    2. View All

    Game Review: England v Chile – Pool D – Saturday 23 September

    September 24, 2023

    Game Review: Georgia V Portugal – Pool C – Saturday 23 September

    September 24, 2023

    Game Review: South Africa V Ireland – Pool B – Saturday 23 September

    September 24, 2023

    South Africa v Ireland: Live Chat

    September 24, 2023

    Game Review: England v Chile – Pool D – Saturday 23 September

    September 24, 2023

    Game Review: Georgia V Portugal – Pool C – Saturday 23 September

    September 24, 2023

    Game Review: South Africa V Ireland – Pool B – Saturday 23 September

    September 24, 2023

    South Africa v Ireland: Live Chat

    September 24, 2023
  • Sevens

    Australia’s Iona College brave but beaten in Rugby Heritage Cup Final

    September 7, 2023

    Brisbane’s Iona College through to the world semi-finals of Rugby Heritage Cup

    September 6, 2023

    Happy Thursdays Rugby News 27/7/23

    July 27, 2023

    Thursday’s Rugby News 20/3/23

    April 20, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 10/4/23

    April 9, 2023
  • Schoolboy Rugby

    Nudgee College win 44th QLD GPS Rugby Premiership

    September 14, 2023

    Thursday’s Rugby News 24/3/22

    March 23, 2022

    Rugbycology report -Super Rugby AU Round 6

    August 10, 2020

    It all starts with ambition: A schools rugby analysis piece

    August 4, 2019

    Australian Schools Championships – the tradition continues

    July 4, 2019
  • Podcast

    The Dropped Kick-Off 97 – Put it in H

    September 20, 2023

    The Dropped Kick-Off 96 – ‘First Gear’ Wallabies (RWC2023 Fiji Preview) with Hoss

    September 15, 2023

    The Dropped Kick-Off 95 – World Cup Bites (RWC2023 Week One) with Hoss

    September 13, 2023

    The Dropped Kick-Off 94 – Your Ultimate 2023 Rugby World Cup Predictor

    September 6, 2023

    The Dropped Kick-Off 91 – A Moral (Oral) Victory

    August 3, 2023
Green and Gold Rugby
Home»National Rugby Championship»Brisbane City»Brisbane City beats Queensland Country in front of a record NRC crowd
Brisbane City

Brisbane City beats Queensland Country in front of a record NRC crowd

Kate ElizabethBy Kate ElizabethSeptember 28, 201413 Comments1 Views
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Rugby was always going to be the winner for the derby between Brisbane City and Queensland Country on a glorious Sunday afternoon at the spiritual home of Queensland rugby, Ballymore.  In front of a record NRC crowd of more than 5000 people, it was absolutely mate vs mate, and with the added bonus of the return of Quade Cooper, there certainly was an expectant hum in the air as the McLean stand, and the iconic hill, filled.  The sun was shining (for a change at Ballymore) Red Dog and Reds players were there to entertain the crowd, Lachie Turner did his usual superstitious jump to touch the cross bar before the match had started and everyone was talking about QC.

SSM_3521

First Half

In previous match reviews, I have gone on record as saying that the pack for Queensland Country is solid – they have punched above their weight in their last few matches.  However with Greg Holmes missing, from the first scrum and penalty we could see this was a different scrum, and it was missing the power and impact against Brisbane City.  City took advantage of early penalties with quick taps and expansive passing, but these were undone by sloppy passes and not reading the play.  They dominated possession for the first 10 minutes, but without building phases and taking advantage of their trips into Country’s 22.

The flow of play in the first ten minutes was stop/start as referee Damien Mitchelmore spent considerable time talking to the packs about scrum sets and resests.  Brisbane City proved dominant in the scrum, with quick ball out and taking advantage of the fast hands and running of Nick Frisby, Samu Kerevi and Chris Kuridrani.  In spite of this, Queensland Country forced a penalty and had a lineout just inside City’s 22 that set up some beautiful play.  JJ Taulagi crossed for a try in the 18th minute after fending off Kerevi as he ran along the sideline.  Matt Brandon, flyhalf for Queensland Country, missed the conversion.

The forward pack for Brisbane City worked hard, none more so than hooker Andrew Ready who made several breaks throughout the match, shedding defenders and making it over the advantage line, but without support from his backline, it was for naught.

Queensland Country’s Tom Pincus (a favourite of the crowd for his stellar Premier Rugby performances for University) crossed in the 23rd minute after  JJ Taulagi drew defenders before flicking a pass to Pincus who evaded Frisby, easily crossing the line.  Matt Brandon successfully slotted the conversion.

At this stage of the match Queensland Country were playing with confidence and making the most of their possession, while Brisbane City who still had the lion’s share of possession were not cohesive and squandered their ball.  Country’s kicking in general play by Taulagi also gave them the advantage as McIntyre struggled to gain effective metres with his kicking for City.  Queensland Country’s scrum however definitely had the wobbles as Brisbane City’s Pettowa Paraka, Andrew Ready and Sef Fagaase kept it low and steady.

Paraka crossed the line for Brisbane City in the 31st minute after a beautiful pick and drive inside the 22, set up by replacement centre Jack Mullins who had come on for Kerevi.  Mullins himself fell just short of the line, but Paraka finished it off.  Flyhalf Jake McIntyre missed the conversion.

Kerevi made several fantastic breaks following this try, once falling just short of the line.  A couple of times he was caught out without support as Brisbane City failed to follow his lead (and his speed).

The scrum woes for Queensland Country worsened as prop Haydn Hirsimaki was yellow carded in the 38th minute for collapsing the scrum.

Country entered half time with a 5-13 lead over Brisbane City – their set piece may have been letting them down, but Country’s passing was more fluid and hitting the right player at the right time – running on to the ball rather than some of the panic passing seen from City.  JJ Taulagi certainly was a real advantage for Country with his tactical kicking.

As they went to the sheds, I pondered whether this was the right size pond for Taulagi – he tore it up in Premier Rugby in 2013 and then turned in (or turnstiled) some dreadful performances for the Queensland Reds in 2014.  He has some shaky moments in earlier matches, but his kicking and speed off the mark make him a dangerous proposition for defenders.  Or perhaps, for him and other players, the NRC is delivering exactly what we want and need it to (as rabid rugby fans who hate losing to anyone) – a stepping stone to transition from club to super level, to hone your skills in bite size chunks rather than the mother of all bites.  Seriously, I don’t think anyone butTim Horan mastered the mother of all bites.  But, the more I see of NRC, the more I like it.

Brisbane City v Qld Country 2014140928_086

Second Half

The second half started with the momentum all Brisbane City’s way – a truly beautiful rolling maul set up a try for hooker Andrew Ready in the 44th minute (albiet not as beautiful as the Bokkes maul last night).  McIntyre kicked the conversion successfully to level the scores 13-13.

Liam Gill certainly had it over Beau Robinson in the Reds v Reds flanker face off – he was everywhere – spoiling, breaking the line, tackling like a demon.  The crowd however got a little distracted as the one and only Quade Cooper stood up to remove his bib.  Was it time for him to take to the field 23 weeks after injuring his AC joint?  The answer was yes – he took the field 59′ into the match, replacing McIntyre.

Brisbane City’s forward pack were everywhere as momentum built 15m out from Queensland Country’s line.  Frisby drew the tacklers and a quick offload to Kuridrani saw him cross in the corner.  1m in from the sideline and about 40m out, Cooper slotted the conversion and the crowd celebrated – City were up 21-13.

The backline passing for City had settled down (and some may see the irony in that since Mr Mercurial AKA Quade Cooper was on the field) and some fantastic phases were built between Cooper, fullback Brando Va’alilu and Junior Laloifi.  Fast ball and fast clear out from Frisby  saw replacement forward Marco Kotze cross in the 73′ minute, right under the posts.  Cooper had no worries adding the 3 for the conversion.

Brisbane City, now up 4 tries to 2, really settled down to play the full 80 (and we know who could learn to do the same) – they built phases and tried to starve Queensland Country of possession. Their forward pack (and replacement forwards) worked hard to get over the advantage line and players like Kerevi used the ball they got.  It is so refreshing to see a player straighten up and run at the line.  Every time.

With so many kids and youngers in the crowd today, it was actually the passage of play after the siren that hopefully said the most to them.  The siren had sounded but the ball was still in play after Queensland Country fluffed it – several kicks ahead by City players, chased and regathered to kick again saw them gain almost 60m in a few seconds – playing the whistle, not the siren.  The passage of play, like the NRC is about taking every opportunity and bloody backing yourself and your team.  We lived through the alternative last night – turning it off once you hear the siren, but City didn’t take that path.

Brisbane City claimed the inaugural Andy Purcell Cup in the Queensland Derby and moved into second place on the NRC ladder behind the Melbourne Rebels Rising.

In the wash up, it was very obvious that Queensland Country were missing Greg Holmes in the scrum, which haunted them most of the match.  Hirsimaki is good, but better with Holmes.  Frisby had a very solid match – fast to the breakdown and quick passing, mostly straight off the deck.  Curtis Browning on his return after injuring himself in the Premier Rugby Grand Final had a solid match, and Quade Cooper made some good attacking moves and was there in defense, giving himself a full shakedown/workout. Anyone else out there want to see him on the bench for the Wallabies in a few weeks time against his/our nemesis the ABs?

Brisbane City v Qld Country Quade Cooper 2014140928_295


[one_third last=”no”]

The Game Changer

The talking point was definitely Quade Cooper’s return, and while it wasn’t a game changer for this match, I hope his return changes games for the positive down the track.
[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]

The G&GR MOTM

Liam Gill – was all over the park – pilfered, made line breaks and was the victim of a few tough penalty calls but still kept going.  Kerevi was definitely in contention as well, but I think this match was a victory for the 8 up front.
[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]

Players to watch

Campbell Magnay – came off the bench and was good in defense and attack
Andrew Ready – stepped up this match
[/one_third]


The Details

Crowd: 5000+

Score & Scorers

[one_half last=”no”]Brisbane City: 29
Tries:
Pettowa Paraka 31′
Andrew Ready 44′
Chris Kuridrano 60′
Marco Kotze 73′

Conversions:
Jake McIntyre (1/2) 45′
Quade Cooper (2/2) 61′, 73′

[/one_half]

[one_half last=”yes”]Queensland Country: 13
Tries:
Jamie-Jerry Taulagi 18′
Tom Pincus 23′

Conversions:
Matt Brandon (1/2) 25′
[/one_half]

Cards & citings

Yellow: Haydn Hirsimaki 38′
Yellow: Will Slipper 71′

quade cooper
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleNRC Match Review: North Harbour Rays v. Greater Sydney Rams
Next Article Monday’s Rugby News
Kate Elizabeth
  • Twitter

Arty-farty. Loves rugby. Good cook. Contrary. Is a New South Welshwoman who has never supported NSW. Only has eyes for the Reds. Likes raspberries and that intense mustard-yellow most people don't.

Related Posts

South Africa v Ireland: Live Chat

September 24, 2023

France v Namibia – Pool A – Thursday 21 September

September 22, 2023

Friday’s Rugby News: Utopia?

September 22, 2023

Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

September 21, 2023
GAGR Podcast
Our Picks

Eddie Has to Go!

September 18, 2023

Live Chat & Game Review: Fiji v Australia – Pool D – Sunday 8 October

September 18, 2023

Friday’s Rugby News: Utopia?

September 22, 2023

Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

September 21, 2023
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Don't Miss
Rugby World Cup

Game Review: England v Chile – Pool D – Saturday 23 September

By KeithSeptember 24, 20232

Another early morning report from your Tasweigian correspondent. I get all the plum jobs. Hardly…

Game Review: Georgia V Portugal – Pool C – Saturday 23 September

September 24, 2023

Game Review: South Africa V Ireland – Pool B – Saturday 23 September

September 24, 2023

South Africa v Ireland: Live Chat

September 24, 2023

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news from Green & Gold Rugby.

About Us
About Us

greenandgoldrugby.com is your one stop shop for all things Rugby Union - news, podcasts, opinions, fixtures, events & everything in between.

greenandgoldrugby.com - created by fans of rugby, for fans of rugby.

About
Submit a Story
Authors
Contact
Privacy

Our Picks

Eddie Has to Go!

September 18, 2023

Live Chat & Game Review: Fiji v Australia – Pool D – Sunday 8 October

September 18, 2023

Friday’s Rugby News: Utopia?

September 22, 2023
New Comments
  • Eloise Pasteur on Game Review: South Africa V Ireland – Pool B – Saturday 23 September
  • Eloise Pasteur on Game Review: Georgia V Portugal – Pool C – Saturday 23 September
  • Eloise Pasteur on Game Review: England v Chile – Pool D – Saturday 23 September
  • Patrick on Game Review: South Africa V Ireland – Pool B – Saturday 23 September
  • Patrick on Game Review: South Africa V Ireland – Pool B – Saturday 23 September
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
  • Wallabies
  • Podcast
  • Privacy Policy (2023)
© 2023 Ponderosa Publishing Pty Ltd | ABN 76 668 430 386.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.