Ash
Michael Lynagh (62)
Was a close game for the first half, Rays had most of the ball. Very windy conditions in Sydney today, and it's quite hot as well.
Rays scored first and then kicked a penalty to go 10 - 0, before Country hit back twice for a 14 - 10 lead. Rays struck back soon after to take a 17 - 14 lead before a period of no scoring. Rays looked good to take that lead into half time, but Country scored on the stroke of half time to take a 19 - 17 lead into the break.
Second half was all Country, outscoring the Rays 31 - 7 to win easily 50 - 24 and never looking troubled. Country was a class above and it showed in the second half.
On defence, Country had fantastic line speed, getting aggressively off their line, often employing a shooter to good success.
Paia'ua looked good and bagged a hatrick, but F'Sauti was huge again, with seemingly spiders on him all afternoon. Timu looks like he has some potential as well.
Good to see Lane running around at 10 again on TV as well.
Rays scored first and then kicked a penalty to go 10 - 0, before Country hit back twice for a 14 - 10 lead. Rays struck back soon after to take a 17 - 14 lead before a period of no scoring. Rays looked good to take that lead into half time, but Country scored on the stroke of half time to take a 19 - 17 lead into the break.
Second half was all Country, outscoring the Rays 31 - 7 to win easily 50 - 24 and never looking troubled. Country was a class above and it showed in the second half.
On defence, Country had fantastic line speed, getting aggressively off their line, often employing a shooter to good success.
Paia'ua looked good and bagged a hatrick, but F'Sauti was huge again, with seemingly spiders on him all afternoon. Timu looks like he has some potential as well.
Good to see Lane running around at 10 again on TV as well.