Let’s have a quick look at tomorrow’s action in Australia’s two three premier club comps. In Brisbane most matches involve one team each from the top and bottom halves of the table, so while it’s only Round 3 the season pecking order could be settled right now — or thrown right open. In Sydney there are two middle-of-the-table derbies that hold particular interest. There’s a long way to go in the season but now is not the time to let gaps open up. Randwick and Sydney Uni, I’m talkin’ ’bout you. And we pick up coverage of the Canberra Premier Division First Grade matches this week. It’s Round 6 but the competition structure means that most teams are still finding their collective and respective feet. The upper five-sevenths of the ladder could look different after tomorrow.
Brisbane Premier Rugby: Round 3
Sunshine Coast v. Norths @ Stockland Park, 3:00pm
The Stingrays reside at the top of the table, thanks to points earned in their brought-forward Round 9 match against the Breakers and a good win against Wests last week. They’ll be hoping to consolidate that position when they host the struggling Eagles, who have surrendered half-centuries to both their opponents to date.
Sunshine Coast: 1. Trent Anderson, 2. Benjamin Church, 3. Shon Siemonek, 4. Bryden Lang, 5. Blake Enever, 6. Sione naa Helu, 7. Tom Beattie, 8. Mitchell King, 9. William Urquhart, 10. Shane Drahm, 11. Stephanus Van Der Walt, 12. Laina Matautia, 13. Allen Rankin, 14. Elliot Hagen, 15. Ashley Rankin.
Norths: 1. Kesomi Lolotonga, 2. Scott Kennon, 3. Shane Tasi, 4. Will Hansen, 5. Tom Haire, 6. Robert William-Luketina, 7. Tom Hewitt, 8. Carlos Gavidi, 9. Daniel Ritchie, 10. Robert Butcher, 11. Sam Purvis, 12. Fred Toua, 13. Mitchell Flynn, 14. Michael Lynagh, 15. Keni Blair.
Easts v. Wests @ Bottomley Park, 3:00pm
The Tigers are playing at home after racking up two big away wins against Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. The Bulldogs might put up more resistance than the coast teams could, but it won’t be enough to earn their first win in 2011. Still, Luafutu’s pack will relish the challenge and the clashes should be mighty.
Easts: 1. Lloyd Campbell-McBridge, 2. Matt Randell, 3. Andrew Parker, 4. Greg Riley, 5. Michael Stolberg, 6. Luke Bertini (c), 7. Mitch Sincock, 8. Ed Quirk, 9. Dominic Fuller, 10. Matt Brandon (vc), 11. Chris Mansell, 12. David Skelton, 13. Toby White, 14. Johnny Wilder, 15. Aidan Toua.
Wests: 1. Henry Brown, 2. Hunter Thomas, 3. Reuben Leilua, 4. Dugald Struss, 5. Steve Mison, 6. Nick Gregorski, 7. Angus Cottrell, 8. Poutasi Luafutu (c), 9. Nigel Genia, 10. Rob Johnson, 11. Ian Aokuso, 12. Sean van Tonder, 13. Peter Nelson, 14. Konnor Ah Kuoi, 15. Mase Faatoe.
Gold Coast v. University @ Albert Park, 4:30pm
University need to take four, or preferably five, table points away from this match, so they can jump the loser of the GPS v. Brothers game and take over fourth place. The winless Breakers need to find their feet and some form pretty soon; their forwards must find a way to move the play out of their half for decent blocks of time.
Gold Coast: 1. Jack Kimmince, 2. Ross Marais, 3. Ben Bartlett, 4. Rubin Fuimaono, 5. Michael McDonald, 6. Jason Mackie, 7. Jarrad Butler, 8. Jay Havelu, 9. Simon Bartlet, 10. Ross Morrissey, 11. Timothy Hindmarsh, 12. Wade Grintell, 13. John Monu, 14. Joel Sykes, 15. Matt Langmack.
University: 1. Kevin Davis, 2. Mitchell Wade, 3. Sam Cochrane, 4. David McDuling, 5. Jordan Chapman, 6. Tim Buchanan, 7. Tim Aistrope, 8. Cameron Jones, 9. Will Thompson, 10. Dan Rothnie, 11. Tom Cox, 12. Herman Porter, 13. Simon Morahan, 14. Tevita Kuridrani, 15. Will Tuffley.
Souths v. Sunnybank @ Chipsy Wood Oval 3:15pm
This is another match between a winless team and a two-time victor. The Magpies will struggle to contain the Dragons, who put a big score on Norths last week.
Souths: 1. David Feao, 2. Abe Haira, 3. Sam Denny (c), 4. Stu Williamson, 5. Van Humphries, 6. Marius Botha, 7. Gerard O’Hare, 8. Paul Mafi, 9. Chris Field, 10. Willy Tilagucaguca, 11. Sam Soul, 12. Matt Ika, 13. Whitmer Tuputala, 14. Junior Lafaele, 15. Kimami Sitauti.
Sunnybank: 1. Albert Anae, 2. Benjamin Fox, 3. Paul Alo-Emile, 4. Benjamin Adams, 5. Bradley Elms, 6. George Blomfield, 7. Liam Gill, 8. Nigel Ah Wong, 9. Siaosi Taufa, 10. Matt Lucas, 11. Semiti Tela, 12. Robert Lee, 13. Rota Setu, 14. Shane Seiuli, 15. Jason Hofmeyr.
GPS v. Brothers @ Yoku Road, 3:20pm
The best saved for last: this match should be a tough and tight contest and will give a good picture of where both teams are at this year. The Gallopers have had to fight for their two wins; the Brethren have had it a bit easier, so now need to prove they belong at the top of the table.
GPS: 1. Jean-Pierre Smith, 2. Joao Caldeira-Santos, 3. Ruan Smith, 4. Daniel Gorman, 5. Mitchell Carpenter, 6. Jono Ellis (c), 7. Ben Coridas, 8. Gavin Murphy, 9. Nick Frisby, 10. Pat Smith, 11. Todd Winkley, 12. Daniel Early, 13. Toby Chalmers, 14. Chris Kuridrani, 15. Josh Logan.
Brothers: 1. Iosefo Tabalala, 2. Andrew Coady, 3. Adrian Dixon, 4. Matt Dews, 5. Nathan Ross, 6. Luke Beauchamp, 7. Charlie Freney, 8. Simon Price (c), 9. Sam Grasso, 10. Matt Smith, 11. Anthony Pyers, 12. Nathanuel Gendle, 13. Kapa Moeke, 14. Ant Sauer, 15. Damon Murphy.
Sydney Premier Rugby: Shute Shield Round 7
Penrith v. Manly @ Nepean Rugby Park, 3:00pm
The proud Emus dished Randwick by a point last week to notch their first win of 2011, and now host the Marlins, whose forward power should be enough to secure dominant possession share and field position.
Penrith: 1. Peter Niumata, 2. Elvis Levi, 3. Richard Aho 4. Kornelio Burgess, 5. Dale Shane, 6. Tavalea Takai, 7. Rob Carlson, 8. Viliami Napia’a, 9. Sikuti Vunipola, 10. Tawhiri Walsh, 11. Tala Mapesone, 12. Henry Lilomaiava, 13. Lachlan Porteous, 14. Fokolulu Taumalolo, 15. Ateloa Okati.
Manly: 1. Elvis Taione, 2. Anthony Hegarty, 3. Eddie Aholelei, 4. Greg Peterson, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Ed Gower, 7. Kotoni Ale, 8. Neil Meyer, 9. Chris Cottee, 10. Ben Seymour, 11. JP du Plessis, 12. Brian Sefanaia, 13. Lui Suale, 14. Chris Yarrington, 15. Jacob Woodhouse.
West Harbour v. Warringah @ Concord Oval, 3:00pm
The Pirates are happiest at home and should continue the misery for the Rats, who have the indignity of occupying bottom rung on the latter (on points differential). But the Rats did show some grit in holding Easts within reach in the match played under lights last Saturday night, so the result of this game is not a foregone conclusion.
West Harbour: 1.Todd Pearce, 2. Reg de Jager, 3. Vaughan Lomax, 4. Tom Hikila, 5. Damian Lloyd, 6. Tom Games, 7. Daniel Midghall, 8. Isaiah Pine, 9. Jeremy Su’a, 10. Shaun Treweek, 11. Henry Seavula, 12. Nua Alone, 13. Rory Sidey, 14. Tito Mua 15. Liam Windon.
Warringah: 1. Richard Southan, 2. Luke Holmes, 3. Dave Hart, 4. Tristan Stanley, 5. Sam Ward, 6. Haydn Black, 7. Johann Rockliff, 8. Jason Peseta, 9. Josh Holmes (c), 10. Maurice Kennedy, 11. Michael Dalton, 12. Adrian Jones, 13. Dylan Smouha, 14. Francesco Fronzoni, 15. Michael Letts.
Eastwood v. Gordon @ TG Millner Field, 3:00pm
First plays third in this game and the Woods have the form to suggest they’re a level above the Highlanders, whose winning run was halted with last week’s draw at Forshaw. This game really is a test for the Gordon forwards, because if they match it with their opponents then the game is open. Expect a good few tries and plenty of penalty shots… this shouldn’t be a low-score match.
Eastwood: 1. Simon Norris, 2. Chris Hill, 3. Martin Plokstys, 4. Tom Alexander, 5. Jared Barry, 6. Josh Dunning, 7. Miles McCaffrey, 8. Pat Shanahan, 9. Nic White, 10. Pierre Hola, 11. Mark Frost, 12. Sione Piukala, 13. Tim Bennetts, 14. John Grant, 15. Ben Batger.
Gordon: 1. Lawrence Marsh, 2. Tobius Gukibau (c), 3. Travis Church, 4. Ben Paurini, 5. Lex Fairley, 6. Jonno Broome, 7. Mitch Greenway, 8. Junior To’o, 9. Terry Preston, 10. Dave Harvey, 11. Eric Maroni, 12. Tom Mathews, 13. Barry Mansfield, 14. Matt McDougall, 15. Dion Berryman.
Northern Suburbs v. Randwick @ North Sydney Oval, 3:00pm
The Shoremen were rightly thrilled to take the points from the Students under the Friday night lights last week and want this next scalp pretty badly. Randwick look vulnerable and could be cast adrift of the table leaders before the competition is even one-third over.
Northern Suburbs: 1. Lawrence Hunting, 2. Scott Podmore, 3. Nick Lah, 4. Seti Tafua, 5. Ben Matwijow, 6. Rory Walton, 7. Paulie Tuala, 8. AJ Gilbert, 9. Steve Evans, 10. Ben Murray, 11. Chris Moore, 12. Henari Veratau, 13. Bill Meakes, 14. Samu Wara, 15. Cam Crawford.
Randwick: 1. Marakai Toa, 2. Atonio Halangahu(c), 3. Justin Terry, 4. Tim Maxwell, 5. Geoffrey Ingram, 6. David Parsons, 7. Tim McGann, 8. Al McFarland, 9. Luke Parsons, 10. Toby Browne, 11. Clinton Sills, 12. Bevu Tuqiri, 13. John Tamanika, 14. Ethan Ford 15. Tim Wright.
Eastern Suburbs v. Parramatta @ Woollahra Oval, 3:00pm
The Beasts are probably going to win this game but the Two Blues are playing with relish, and have been scoring well over recent weeks. Since Easts’ last four wins have been narrow ones the match is not without interest.
Eastern Suburbs: 1. Campese Ma’afu, 2. Sam Zlatevski, 3. Ofa Fainga’anuku, 4. Adam Byrnes, 5. Phil Mathers, 6. Richard Stanford, 7. Andrew Shaw, 8. Talalelei Gray, 9. Brendan McKibbin, 10. Kurt Morath, 11. Ratu Ma’afu, 12. Matt Toomua, 13. Eddie Paea, 14. Anton Lavin, 15. Dion Taumata.
Parramatta: 1.Sione Taula, 2. Trent Hoscher, 3. Lamarn Ma’a, 4. Ryan Aniseko, 5. James Riddell, 6. Sapu Hehea, 7. Andrew Cox, 8. Maile Latekefu, 9. Lua Vailoaloa, 10. Ioane Sefo, 11. Mohd Roche, 12. Toese Lealemanua, 13. Damien Fakafanua, 14. Iese Leoto, 15. Tyler Stevens.
Southern Districts v. Sydney University @ Forshaw Rugby Park, 3:00pm
Here’s a clash between two teams who haven’t hit their straps in 2011. The results of this match and the Norths v. Randwick one could change the middle of the table, or leave it much as-is. Something tells me the Students are going to pull out a big effort and dust the Rebels.
Southern Districts: 1. Marcus Heather, 2. Nick Seymour, 3. Duncan Chubb, 4. Rome Nifo, 5. Luke Smart, 6. Hoani Matenga, 7. Sean Doyle, 8. Sam Latunipulu, 9. Dewet Roos, 10. Ben Volavola, 11. Ryan Shortland, 12. Josh Gamgee (c), 13. Brackin Karauria-Henry, 14. Ben Connolly, 15. Rohan Saifoloi.
Sydney University: 1. Aldy King, 2. Ben Roberts, 3. Paddy Ryan, 4. Tom Heslop, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Trent Dyer, 7. Josh Ellice-Flint, 8. Jack de Guingand, 9. Matt Schwager (c), 10. Daniel Halangahu, 11. Alex Rokobaro, 12. James McMahon, 13. Michael Hodge, 14. Tom English, 15. David Dillon.
ACT and Southern NSW Premier Division: Round 6
Uni-Norths v. Royals @ ANU North Oval, 3:05pm
Two of last week’s losers meet down by Sullivans Creek. The Owls take an untried backline combination into this match with Royals, who are in the same boat with their forwards. The home team should have the edge and the Royal Blues may remain winless for another week. Your correspondent’s rugby roots are in the old Norths club, by the by, so expect the Owls’ matches to be listed first in these previews.
Uni-Norths: 1. Stan Williams, 2. Hugh Alexander, 3. JP Pradaud, 4. Joe Ritchie, 5. Alex Clunies Ross, 6. Adam Coleman, 7. Garry Bautz, 8. Jordan Goddard, 9. Edan Campbell, 10. James Ambrosini, 11. Sam Julian, 12. Junior Rasolea, 13. Michael Breen, 14. Steve Brandon, 15. Jordan Macey.
Royals: 1. Eugene Mulipola, 2. Sam Taseni, 3. Paula Latu, 4. Kyron Pitta, 5. Kieran Grealish, 6. Tom Pelo, 7. Joe Kolo, 8. Tyson Tamihere, 9. David Peake, 10. Craig McMahon, 11. Matt Rowlings, 12. AJ Abel, 13. Jack Sutton, 14. Jason Swain, 15. Ben Johnson.
Queanbeyan v. Gungahlin @ Campese Field, 3:05pm
Owen Finegan’s Eagles cross the border to take on the 2010 Dent Cup winners the Whites. The black-and-reds weren’t at their best against the Owls last time out but it’s a good team that can win when not playing well. The champions had a bumpy start to this season but worked the kinks out in giving Easts a good hiding last week. This match will be a beauty and could go either way. It probably depends on which pack can dominate and provide ball and space to the backs.
Queanbeyan: 1. Chris Barbaro, 2. Nik Murray, 3. Leslie Makin, 4. Matthew Hirst, 5. Daniel Smith, 6. Jeremy Dowling, 7. Daniel Penca, 8. Tom Jones, 9. James Maher, 10. Jacob Kara, 11. Viliami Longi, 12. Josh Goodall, 13. Nathan Smith, 14. Jake Holland, 15. Lachlan Freeth.
Gungahlin: 1. Derek Leefe, 2. Pato Noriega, 3. Tim Metcher, 4. Scott Davidson, 5. Liam Winton, 6. Rocky Ildiahia , 7. Xavier Duffy, 8. Tim Donellan, 9. Sean Connachie, 10. Anthony Dawes, 11. James Lovell 12. Tevita Halafahua, 13. Mitch Connolly, 14. Andrew Barrell, 15. Matthew Hawke.
Easts v. Tuggeranong @ Griffith Oval, 3:05pm
The Tricolours are winless for the year and face a Vikings team that has shown it can dominate the battlers and nearly match it with the Lions and Eagles. That’s all there is to say about this game. Looking ahead, Easts meet Royals next week and that’s their best chance of breaking their duck, while the Vikings must test themselves against the Whites.
Easts: 1. Mitch Lewia, 2. Reza Miralmasi, 3. Alan Miriallakis, 4. Joe Shirley, 5. Byron O’Dell, 6. Sam Shirley, 7. Gus Limaleba, 8. Jonno Naoupu, 9. Robbie Lavery, 10. Ed Dillon, 11. Jeremy Sefu, 12. Jim Crompton, 13. Jerome Harimate, 14. Steve Castle, 15. Cam Wyper.
Tuggeranong: 1. Matt Quilty, 2. Hugh Roach, 3. Mike Noble, 4. Keane Wheeler, 5. Tom Murday, 6. Tom Cree, 7. Scott Irwin, 8. James Turner, 9. Beau Mokotupu, 10. Shaun McCarthy, 11. JP Mynhardt, 12. Reinhold Kamillo, 13. Rodney Iona, 14. Dave Wellington, 15. Isikele Ratulevu.
