Hugh Jarse
Rocky Elsom (76)
Brisbane City v Greater Sydney Rams
When: Saturday 17 October. Kick-off 3.30pm AEST (4:30pm in the enlightened, curtain fading Eastern States)
Where: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane
Match Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Rohan Hoffmann, Brett Cronan
Broadcast Information: foxsports.com.au and FOX SPORTS Now
2015 Brisbane City Form Guide: WWW
2015 Greater Sydney Rams Form Guide: LWL
Last Time They Met: 03 October 2014; Greater Sydney Rams 56 defeated Brisbane City 29 at Pirtek Stadium, Sydney
At Stake: The Horan-Little Shield & The 2015 NRC Wooden Spoon
Match Notes: The Rams were the last team to beat Brisbane City in the NRC and need a win this weekend to give them a chance of avoiding the wooden spoon. With the Horan-Little Shield on the line, Brisbane City need to win to secure the 2015 NRC minor premiership.
Finals Prospects:
Already qualified for the finals and will be hosting a home Semi-Final. This is for the 2015 Minor Premiership.
Win: It's the 2015 Minor Premiership.
Draw: It's the 2015 Minor Premiership provided the Vikings don't defeat Queensland Country with a BP.
Lose: If they lose with a BP, then Vikings need to win with a BP to secure the Minor Premiership. If Vikings win without a BP, and City secure a losing BP, then Vikings must win by >14 points to secure the Minor Premiership.
No chance for Finals. This is all about avoiding the 2015 Wooden Spoon.
Win: The 2015 Wooden Spoon goes North if the Vikings beat Queensland Country. The Wooden Spoon AND the Horan Little Shield could be secured by the Rams if they win without a BP, AND QCountry win AND Rays win, draw or lose with a BP.
Draw: The Vikings defeating Queensland Country by more than 8 points will see the Wooden Spoon travel North( ie no losing BOP for Q Country), otherwise it's Hello Wooden Spoon.
Lose: Clear the Trophy Cabinet, because it's Hello Wooden Spoon.
G&GR Preview (@RugbyReg) says: http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/nrc-round-9-preview/
This match shows the value of the Horan-Little Shield. Here we are. The last round of the season and it’s first against last. Ordinarily it would be a fairly low key affair, but with the advent of this challenge shield both teams have plenty to play for on Saturday at Ballymore. Brisbane are obviously keen as mustard to secure they Shield, having held it since defeating the Rising in Round 2, and have secured a full strength squad to do so. For the Rams the chance to claim their first piece of silverware of the NRC, to dispose of the competition frontrunners and avoid the wooden spoon means this match is their Grand Final.
Key Matchups:
There are two diverse playing styles in the respective 10 jerseys this weekend. For the Rams the electric Paul Asquith has been a revelation since moving to flyhalf in the recent weeks. The former 7s player has proved a constant thread to opposition defensive lines and provides a spark of energy for the Rams backline. Jake McIntyre, meanwhile, has quietly played his own game amongst a backline full of flash. McIntyre has plenty of skill but relies on providing the opportunities for his outside men to weave their magic. He’s been a critical player in Brisbane’s success this season and currently sits atop the competition point scorers list.
I just can’t go past the match up on the wings between the lightning feet of Afa Pakalani and the lightning feet of Junior Laloifi. The former Waratah and Aussie 7s flyer, Pakalani has only made a couple of starts for the Rams towards the end of the season and has shown his class in his limited opportunities. He has the ability to light up the field and his experience at the top level could be crucial this weekend. There has been heaps written about Laloifi this tournament and not much more I can say here. He remains the top tryscorer of the competition, with 11, but it’s his willingness to get involved and create opportunities for his team mates that has really been on show of late. A super talent.
Teams:
1.
2. Andrew READY
3. Sam TALAKAI
4.
5. Cadeyrn NEVILLE
6. Waita SETU
7. Liam GILL (c)
8. Adam KORCZYK
9. Nick FRISBY
10. Jake McINTYRE
11. Junior LALOIFI
12. Henry TAEFU
13. Samu KEREVI
14. Alex GIBBON
15. Karmichael HUNT
16.
17. Ryan FRENEY
18. Feao FOTUAIKA
19.
20. Luke BEAUCHAMP
21. Moses SOROVI
22. Mika TELA
23. Andy MUIRHEAD
Edit: Late changes to Brisbane
1. Cameron ORR
2. Silivia SILIVA
3. Sam NEEDS
4. Will MUNRO
5. Jack DOUGLAS
6. Kelly MEAFUA
7. Jono HAYES
8. Cohen MASSON
9. Dewet ROOS
10. Paul ASQUITH
11. Afa PAKALANI
12. Michael McDOUGALL
13. Jordan HEYER
14. Brad CURTIS
15. Brenden HARTMANN
16. Max HOLLAND
17. Matt GIBBON
18. Cameron BETHAM
19. Brad KAPA
20. Sevaro DOMONI
21. Kaleb RECH
22. Rohan SAIFOLOI
23. Matt TEKI
