NRC Semi Final - Melbourne Rising v Perth Spirit - Saturday 25 October at 3:30 pm

[Dctarget]

why is Benedict Cumberbatch refereeing this game?

 

[Highlander35]

Way too scrappy from the rising. Fumbles, grubbers, charge downs...

 

[Dumbledore]

Jones and McMahon out is really hurting. Placid is having an absolute mare. Debreczeni has been poor as well. Forwards going pretty well, Timani especially. Inman the pick of the backs.

 

[Forcefield]

It'll be interesting to see how the 2nd half goes. The Spirit will be tiring but I reckon the replacement front rowers will see Rising lose their scrum dominance.

 

[Highlander35]

So... first 40 minutes.

Dominant 20 minutes but really really poor execution in the Spirit 22, not helped by the wonderful defence.

Spirit struck twice in the next 5 minutes, scoring a try off phase play and poor alignment, then an intercept try from scrappy play.

Rising struck back off a great first phase ball to round out the first 30 minutes.

The last 10 minutes involved a dominant Rising forward pack, but an inability to penetrate, due to handling, poor kicking, and the great defence of the Spirit.

Where does that leave us? Spirit lead 13-8, but may be in trouble if Rising improve the execution.

But if the first score or two goes to the Spirit, the strong defensive organisation should see them get home.

 

[qwerty51]

It doesn't really matter if the Rising get through, they're not beating City.

 

[Highlander35]

Consecutive mistakes from Neville and Timani sees the Spirit in for their 3rd of the match, and Zack Holmes converts.

 

[Wilson]

Someone remind Debreczeni this is a finals match.

That was Jake McIntyre's job

 

[qwerty51]

This must be devastating for Victorians. One of the most dominant teams in a regular season of all time but fall short due to own success.

 

[Dctarget]

This must be devastating for Victorians. One of the most dominant teams in a regular season of all time but fall short due to own success.

I have no idea if you're being sarcastic or not, but I'll take your condolences either way.

 

[qwerty51]

Bit of magic from Placid, 3 cheers.

 

[Bairdy]

I'll say it again, Toby Smith and Paul Alo Emile should be in Europe right now.

 

[Highlander35]

Placid scores an awesome individual try on the counterattack. Debreczeni converts. 52 minutes gone, Rising trail 16-21.

 

[Highlander35]

Paul just utterly savaged that new prop.

 

[Wilson]

Looking more and more like a home final for city!

 

[Highlander35]

Rising are their own worst enemy here. Completely and utterly their own fault.

 

[qwerty51]

Rising are goooooone

 

[Wilson]

Neville of with a head knock

 

[Highlander35]

Need to execute here.

And it's knocked on.

Absolute shit from the Rising. Absolute Shithouse.

 

[qwerty51]

If Jones, McMahon and English don't get any game time in the first 2 Tests the Rising will be livid.