NRC Semi Final Preview

Melbourne Rising v Perth Spirit

Unbeaten Melbourne are the unbackable favourites in this fixture. Last week they closed out the season the same way they closed out every game thus far, a bonus point win. Thier season so far has been perfect, collecting every point on offer and not allowing any team more than a sniff of victory. They have largely done this though forward dominance but have just as much class in the backs.

The Rising have been somewhat weakened with Luke Jones, Tom English and Sean McMahon all being selected into the Wallaby touring squad. While this would leave a big hole in any NRC squad, Melbourne have great depth and have been fortunate enough with injuries that those players should be covered.

Perth although deserving of their semi final spot have not been convincing this season. Winning only three of their eight games they have relied on losing small and winning big to accrue a healthy helping of bonus points.

The biggest positive for the Spirit this season is that unlike their opponent, they have played with a majority of non-super players. This may mean they will get more benefit from the experience of this season than the Rising, even if their season ends here.

Last time these two teams met in round four, it was a typical Melbourne cake walk, the Rising took the win by a healthy twenty point margin. I expect on Saturday the result will be no different. Melbourne will only be challenged by perfect rugby for eighty minutes and that would seem beyond the Spirit. Their only chance is if they can establish an early lead and the Rising begin to panic. The only problem with that scenario is the Rams did that to Melbourne two weeks ago and Melbourne responded well, despite being down at half time and under the pump for long periods.

Prediction: Rising by 18

[one_half last=”no”]Melbourne Rising
1. Toby Smith
2. Pat Leafa (V/C)
3. Paul Alo-Emile
4. Sam Jeffries
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. OJ Noa
7. Sione Taufa
8. Lopeti Timani
9. Nic Stirzaker (Captain)
10. Jack Debreczeni
11. Joe Kamana
12. Mitch Inman(V/C)
13. Sefanaia Naivalu
14. Rennie Lautolo-Molimau
15. Jonah Placid

16. Tom Sexton
17. Fereti Sa’aga
18. Cruze Ah-Nau
19. Pom Simona (V/C)
20. Angus Hamilton
21. Luke Burgess
22. Lloyd Johansson
23. Martin Naufahu
[/one_half]

[one_half last=”yes”]Perth Spirit
1. Pek Cowan
2. Robbie Abel
3. Oliver Hoskins
4. Sam Wykes (c)
5. Brent Murphy
6. Brynard Stander
7. Kane Koteka
8. Al Rovira
9. Ian Prior
10. Zack Holmes
11. Marcel Brache
12. Solomoni Rasolea
13. Ammon Matuauto
14. Luke Morahan
15. Dane Haylett-Petty

16. Harry Scoble
17. Joe Savage
18. Chris Heiberg
19. Kieran Stringer
20. Richard Hardwick
21. Justin Turner
22. Davis Tavita
23. Christian Joubert
[/one_half]

Form:  MR: WWWWWWBWW   PS: WLLLLWWBL

Saturday 25th October, 3:35pm

AAMI Park, Melbourne.