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Melbourne Rising (National Rugby Championships (Rugby))

 

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Melbourne Rising website: http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/rising

 

 

Latest News & Results

 

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND EIGHT REVIEW

22/10/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24555735
 
 

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND EIGHT REVIEW

OCTOBER 22, 2017
Images are available here. Please credit the photographer.
 
Queensland Country will return to Australia with the Horan-Little Shield after becoming the first side to beat the Fijian Drua on home soil 24-17. The four-tries-to-three-win means Country jump to top spot on the NRC table.
 
Later, the Greater Sydney Rams who have been winless since Round Two made a major comeback after being 19-0 down in the first half to then winning 31-19 against Brisbane City.

In the twilight match the Sydney Rays made it a third upset for the day beating Perth Spirit 44-31. It was the first time since 2015 that the Spirit lost a game at their McGillivray Oval home ground.

This afternoon the Eagles’ seven-tries-to-three bonus point win over Melbourne Rising sees them fly over Brisbane City and Perth Spirit on the ladder.
 
2017 Standings after Round Eight
Bond University Queensland Country 28
Canberra Vikings 25
Fiji Airways Drua 21
Elders NSW Country Eagles 18
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 18
Road Safety Perth Spirit 16
Greater Sydney Rams 13
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 9
Melbourne Rising 4
 
Saturday 21 October
Fiji Airways Drua v Bond University Queensland Country
Fiji Airways Drua 17 (Tries: Stewart, Waqatabu, Lomani; Cons: Waqatabu; Yellow cards: Ucutabua (24’), Waqatabu (30’), Ducivaki (55’))
Bond University Queensland Country 24 (Tries; Timu 2, Tela, Nabuli; Cons: Tuttle 2; Yellow cards: Fa’agase (39’))
 
Saturday 21 October
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City v Greater Sydney Rams
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 19 (Tries: Riley, Fidow, Kuridrani; Cons: Cooper , Strachan)
Greater Sydney Rams 31 (Tries: Holloway 2, Hall, Tuisue; Cons: Mason 4; Pens: Mason)
 
Saturday 21 October
Road Safety Perth Spirit v Macquarie University Sydney Rays
Road Safety Perth Spirit 31 (Tries: Verity-Amm 2, Koteka, Uyen, Arnold; Cons: Grant 3; Yellow Cards; M. Philip (29’))
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 44 (Tries: Nucifora 2, Buaserau 2, Connor, Simone; Cons: Hegarty 2 H. Nucifora, R. Saifoloi; Pens: Hegarty 2)
 
Sunday 22 October
Melbourne Rising v Elders NSW Country Eagles
Melbourne Rising 19 (Tries: J. Maddocks, H. Hutchison, K. Ratu; Cons: J. McGregor 2)
Elders NSW Country Eagles 47 (Tries: A. Gibbon 3, B. Paenga-Amosa, S. Wileman, J. Gordon, A. Freier
Cons: T. Adams 6)

 
 
Rising Team Announcement: NRC Round 7 v Brisbane City

Rising Team Announcement: NRC Round 7 v Brisbane City

12/10/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24449620
 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Thursday 12 October 2017
 

Rd 7: Melbourne Rising v Brisbane City


The Melbourne Rising have made one change to the starting line-up for Sundayafternoon’s game against Brisbane City at Wests Bulldogs Rugby Union Club in Brisbane from 4.00pm (AEST) / 5.00pm (AEDT).

Rising head coach Zane Hilton has welcomed back experienced scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker to the starting XV and Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese for the clash against Brisbane City, who are knocking on the door of the National Rugby Championship’s top four.

Stirzaker, who was influential in the opening three rounds of the Rising season, has missed the last three rounds of the NRC after an ankle injury ahead of the side’s fourth-round game against the Greater Sydney Rams.

The 26-year-old’s inclusion is a boost to the Rising, who are chasing a second straight win in the Queensland capital.

“Nic’s return from injury is a welcome inclusion this weekend with his experience and leadership to be a valuable asset against a very difficult side in Brisbane City,” Hilton said.

“Brisbane City will be full of confidence as they chase a spot in the finals but it will be a great experience and opportunity for our younger players to test themselves against an international quality side across the park.”

It’s just the second time this season that Hilton has had the luxury to name an unchanged forward pack for consecutive weeks after lock Alex Toolis successfully returned from a long-term injury against the Canberra Vikings last weekend.

Uelese is set to make his second appearance for the Rising this season after the 20-year-old hooker came off the bench against the Perth Spirit in the opening round of the 2017 campaign.

Uelese’s selection to provide fresh legs off the bench on Sunday follows his return from Wallabies duty where he made his international debut against South Africa and scored against Argentina in Canberra.

The Rising have won two of the three previous meetings between the two sides, including a 61-point win against City in the only game in Brisbane during the inaugural season. The Rising claimed a 46-28 victory when the two teams met at Harlequin Park in the fourth round last season.

The National Rugby Championship (NRC) will be raising awareness and much-needed funds for Leukemia Foundation during this weekend’s seventh round with the games to be played with a blue rugby ball. Fans are being encouraged to donate with either a Leukemia Foundation member or a donation box with banners set up at each of the home games. 

2017 National Rugby Championship - Round 7
Brisbane City v Melbourne Rising
Sunday 15 October 2017
Wests Bulldogs Rugby Union Club, Brisbane
Kick-off: 4.00pm (AEST) / 5.00pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: LIVE STREAM via foxsports.com.au.
Live Updates: www.twitter.com/MelbourneRebels
 
Melbourne Rising team for Round 7 v Brisbane City:
 
1. Rory O’Connor
2. Siliva Siliva
3. Fereti Sa’aga
4. Jason Havea
5. Alex Toolis
6. Rob Leota
7. Ikapote Tupai
8. Lopeti Timani
9. Nic Stirzaker
10. Jack McGregor
11. Henry Hutchison
12. Lloyd Johansson
13. Sione Tuipulotu
14. Kitione Ratu
15. Jack Maddocks
 
Reserves
 
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Tom Moloney
18. Pone Fa’amausili
19. Sione Taufa
20. Mahe Vailanu
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Hunter Paisami
23. Angelo Leaupepe
READ MORE
NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX REVIEW

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX REVIEW

08/10/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24409212
 
 

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX REVIEW

OCTOBER 8, 2017
For the first time ever, the Horan-Little Shield is en route to the Pacific Islands after the Fijian Drua claimed the NRC challenge trophy with a comprehensive 57-31 victory over the Greater Sydney Rams in front of a passionate crowd at TG Millner Oval. The Drua’s eight-tries-to-five bonus point win keeps their spot at the top of the ladder.
 
Over on the Gold Coast, Queensland Country were set for a huge win over the NSW Country Eagles leading 31-0 into the second half. But then, in a stunning about-face the Eagles piled on the points late as they chased the most unlikely of victories. It wasn't to be though, with Queensland Country holding on for a dramatic 34-31 win.
 
This afternoon the Canberra Vikings continued their charge towards the finals series, with a dominant 36-12 win over Melbourne Rising at Frankston Park in Victoria. The six-tries-to-two bonus point win keeps Canberra level on points with the Fijian Drua atop of the NRC ladder.
 
Later today two-time NRC Champions Brisbane City proved they can never be counted out of the mix after another convincing win over the Sydney Rays at Pittwater Park in Sydney. City jagged a bonus point in the eight-tries-to-four 46-29 victory and now sit just two points out of the NRC top four.
 
2017 Standings after Round Six 
Canberra Vikings 20
Fiji Airways Drua 20
Bond University Queensland Country 19
Road Safety Perth Spirit 15
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 13
Greater Sydney Rams 9
Elders NSW Country Eagles 9
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 5
Melbourne Rising 4
 
Saturday 7 September 
Fiji Airways Drua v Greater Sydney Rams
Fiji Airways Drua 57 (Tries: Daveta 2, Veitayaki Jnr, Stewart, Waqatabu, Sau, Lomani, Taliga; Cons: Waqatabu 7; Pens: Waqatabu)
Greater Sydney Rams 31 (Tries: Roach, Bailey, Cotton, Dunbar, Pili-Gaitau; Cons: Ayoub 3)

Saturday 7 September
Bond University Queensland Country v Elders NSW Country Eagles
Bond University Queensland Country 34 (Tries: P. James, A. Scott-Young, F, Daugunu, E. Nabuli, I. Perese; Cons: J. Tuttle 3/5; Pens: J. Tuttle 1/1; Cards: C. Timu (80’))
Elders NSW Country Eagles 31 (Tries: A. Kellaway 2, C. McInerney, M. Jones, J. Gordon; Cons: T. Adams 3/5)

Sunday 8 September
Melbourne Rising v Canberra Vikings
Melbourne Rising 12 (Tries: J. McGregor, A. Leaupepe; Cons: J. McGregor 1/1, J. Maddocks 0/1; Cards: L. Timani (51))
Canberra Vikings 36 (Tries: R. Valetini 2, J. Dargaville, T. Banks, F. Fainga’a, P. Rolando; Cons: W. Hawera 3/6)

Sunday 8 September
Macquarie University Sydney Rays v McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 29 (Tries: J. Turner, T. Connor, R. Buaserau, D. Fitzpatrick; Cons: I. Simone 1/1, R. Saifoloi 2/3;Pens: R. Saifoloi 1/1)
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 46 (Tries: A. Ready 2, M. Konelio, D. Riley, E. Fidow, D. Gorman, M. Ngauamo, M. Gunn; Cons: Q. Cooper 3/8; Cards: K. Douglas (65’))

 
 
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NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX PREVIEW

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX PREVIEW

06/10/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24384033
 
 

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX PREVIEW

OCTOBER 6, 2017
As we head into week six of the competition, it couldn’t get much tighter with four teams now battling it out for top spot on the NRC ladder and the others following close behind.
 
This weekend is the Pasifika Round which celebrates the great influence of the Pacific Island nations on Australian Rugby.
 
On Saturday TG Millner Oval will host a full day of fun and festivities. In the morning spectators can watch future NRC stars, the Australian Schoolboys take on NZ Schoolboys. Straight after the Greater Sydney Rams will take on the Fijian Drua in front of what is expected to be a healthy crowd.
 
Following this match Queensland Country will battle it out with NSW Country at Bond University. The Queensland boys haven’t lost to the Eagles since season one of the NRC and are feeling confident with Wallabies tourist Izaia Perese joining their side.
 
On Sunday two Wallabies will go head to head with Lopeti Timani joining the Melbourne Rising squad and Rory Arnold taking Canberra Vikings’ side at Frankston Oval in Victoria.
 
In the final match of the round, the Sydney Rays will host Brisbane City at Pittwater Rugby Park. The Rays have been forced to shuffle their backline with Sam Lane and Angus Sinclair out.

2017 Standings after Round Five 
Bond University Queensland Country 15
Canberra Vikings 15
Road Safety Perth Spirit 15
Fiji Airways Drua 15
Greater Sydney Rams 9
Elders NSW Country Eagles 8
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 8
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 5
Melbourne Rising 4
 
Round Six Fixtures
Saturday 7 October
Greater Sydney Rams v Fiji Airways Drua
Where: TG Millner Field, Sydney
When: 3:00 PM AEST
Broadcast Information:
  • The Rams have shuffled up their squad after being hit with several injuries and losing some big stars including Taqele Naiyaravoro
  • Both teams will be led by former Eastwood coaches including John McKee for the Fiji Drua and Billy Melrose for the Rams
  • The Drua spent this week training at Kings College in Sydney and won’t be shy of support with thousands of local Fijians expected to show for the Pasifika Round
 
Saturday 7 October
Bond University Queensland Country v Elders NSW Country Eagles
Where: Bond University, Gold Coast
When: 5:00 PM AEST
Broadcast Information:
  • Wallabies player Izaia Perese will join the Queensland boys in their match day 23
  • As part of the Pasifika Round Queensland will pay tribute to the 18 players on their squad who have Polynesian heritage
  • Former Queensland Country flanker Maclean Jones will line up for NSW Country against his old side for the first time
  • Eagles player Tom Staniforth will be the man to look out for as he goes from strength to strength as a leader in the forward pack
 
Sunday 8 October
Melbourne Rising v Canberra Vikings 
Where: Frankston Oval, Victoria
When: 1:00PM AEST
Broadcast Information:
  • The teams have an even split of historic wins; the Rising won 34-13 in 2014 and the Vikings won 60-44 in 2016
  • The Rising were hit by injury in their loss to Queensland Country last weekend but have welcomed back Wallaby Lopeti Timani, lock Alex Toolis and playmaker Lloyd Johansson to the starting line-up
  • The Vikings will also welcome back Wallaby Rory Arnold and Andrew Muirhead will swap with Tom Banks to have a crack at fullback
 
Sunday 8 October
Macquarie University Sydney Rays v McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City
Where: Pittwater Park, Sydney
When: 3:00PM AEST
Broadcast Information:
 
  • The Rays have made some changes with versatile Harry Burey now heading to inside centre to cover Saifoloi’s move and Irae Simone will have his second start at outside centre
  • Josh Turner will return to fullback after playing on the wing in Goulburn and Rob Buaserau will be in line for a start after Latu Latunipulu strained his hamstring again
  • The Brisbane boys will be fighting hard to make it into the top four after losing to Perth Spirit last weekend

 
 
READ MORE
Melbourne Rising v Canberra Viking

Melbourne Rising v Canberra Viking

05/10/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24375917

 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Thursday 5 October 2017
 

Rd 6: Melbourne Rising v Canberra Viking


The Melbourne Rising lock Alex Toolis will make his long-awaited return from injury against the Canberra Vikings at Frankston Park, Frankston, on Sunday from 1.00pm (AEDT).

Toolis is one of four changes made by head coach Zane Hilton to the Rising’s starting line-up for the sixth round of the 2017 National Rugby Championship (NRC).

The 25-year-old second rower missed the 2017 Super Rugby season when he was sidelined for 12 months following neck surgery during last year’s NRC campaign.

Toolis is the second Rebels player to return from serious injury via the Melbourne Rising after back rower Rob Leota successfully cameback from a knee injury against the Greater Sydney Rams a fortnight ago.

After two weeks in the No.8 jersey, Leota will shift to flanker for this weekend’s clash with the second-placed Vikings following the return of Wallabies backrower Lopeti Timani, who will make his first appearance at home this NRC season.

An ankle injury to winger Semisi Tupou last weekend against Queensland Country will see speedster Henry Hutchison make his run-on debut for the Melbourne Rising after two appearances off the bench this year.

Playmaker Lloyd Johansson will make his first start for the year after Hilton named the former Wallaby at inside centre while Frankston-native Sione Tuipulotu has shifted to outside centre.

Experienced hooker Siliva Siliva will captain the Rising for the first time in his career on Sunday after minor knee surgery to Steve Cummins has ruled the lock out for the remaining three games of the NRC season.

Angelo Leaupepe has been recalled to the reserves bench for his second appearance of the season.

“A couple of unfortunate injuries have forced us to make a few changes this weekend but it’s great to welcome experienced and quality players like Alex (Toolis), Lopeti (Timani) and Lloyd (Johansson) to the starting line-up,” Hilton said.

“We’ve got to make sure that we use all of that experience and play with confidence for a full 80 minutes against a very strong Vikings side, who put on a cricket score against the Fijian Drua last weekend.”

The Melbourne Rising return to the City of Frankston for a third consecutive year with the Victorian Rugby Union’s annual Frankston Festival of Rugby, which includes the Melbourne International Sevens tournament over the weekend.

The Rising and Vikings have split the four previous meetings between the two sides. The Rising claimed a 34-13 victory in the only fixture in Melbourne in the inaugural season and a 60-44 win in the most recent fixture last season.

The Rising are encouraging fans to donate any rugby boots, balls or kit to The Fiji Project at the game on Sunday as part of the National Rugby Championship’s Pasifika Round.

The game will be live streamed via foxsports.com.au from 1.00pm (AEDT).

2017 National Rugby Championship - Round 6
Melbourne Rising v Canberra Vikings
Sunday 8 October 2017
Frankston Park, Frankson
Kick-off: 1.00pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: LIVE STREAM via foxsports.com.au.
Live Updates: www.twitter.com/MelbourneRebels
 
Melbourne Rising team for Round 6 v Vikings:

1. Rory O’Connor
2. Siliva Siliva
3. Fereti Sa’aga
4. Jason Havea
5. Alex Toolis
6. Rob Leota
7. Ikapote Tupai
8. Lopeti Timani
9. Harrison Goddard
10. Jack McGregor
11. Henry Hutchison
12. Lloyd Johansson
13. Sione Tuipulotu
14. Kitione Ratu
15. Jack Maddocks
 
Reserves
 
16. Cameron Mapusua
17. Tom Moloney
18. Pome Fa’amausili
19. Sione Taufa
20. Mahe Vailanu
21. Maradona Farao
22. Hunter Paisami
23. Angelo Leaupepe

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Thursday 5 October 2017
 

Rd 6: Melbourne Rising v Canberra Viking


The Melbourne Rising lock Alex Toolis will make his long-awaited return from injury against the Canberra Vikings at Frankston Park, Frankston, on Sunday from 1.00pm (AEDT).

Toolis is one of four changes made by head coach Zane Hilton to the Rising’s starting line-up for the sixth round of the 2017 National Rugby Championship (NRC).

The 25-year-old second rower missed the 2017 Super Rugby season when he was sidelined for 12 months following neck surgery during last year’s NRC campaign.

Toolis is the second Rebels player to return from serious injury via the Melbourne Rising after back rower Rob Leota successfully cameback from a knee injury against the Greater Sydney Rams a fortnight ago.

After two weeks in the No.8 jersey, Leota will shift to flanker for this weekend’s clash with the second-placed Vikings following the return of Wallabies backrower Lopeti Timani, who will make his first appearance at home this NRC season.

An ankle injury to winger Semisi Tupou last weekend against Queensland Country will see speedster Henry Hutchison make his run-on debut for the Melbourne Rising after two appearances off the bench this year.

Playmaker Lloyd Johansson will make his first start for the year after Hilton named the former Wallaby at inside centre while Frankston-native Sione Tuipulotu has shifted to outside centre.

Experienced hooker Siliva Siliva will captain the Rising for the first time in his career on Sunday after minor knee surgery to Steve Cummins has ruled the lock out for the remaining three games of the NRC season.

Angelo Leaupepe has been recalled to the reserves bench for his second appearance of the season.

“A couple of unfortunate injuries have forced us to make a few changes this weekend but it’s great to welcome experienced and quality players like Alex (Toolis), Lopeti (Timani) and Lloyd (Johansson) to the starting line-up,” Hilton said.

“We’ve got to make sure that we use all of that experience and play with confidence for a full 80 minutes against a very strong Vikings side, who put on a cricket score against the Fijian Drua last weekend.”

The Melbourne Rising return to the City of Frankston for a third consecutive year with the Victorian Rugby Union’s annual Frankston Festival of Rugby, which includes the Melbourne International Sevens tournament over the weekend.

The Rising and Vikings have split the four previous meetings between the two sides. The Rising claimed a 34-13 victory in the only fixture in Melbourne in the inaugural season and a 60-44 win in the most recent fixture last season.

The Rising are encouraging fans to donate any rugby boots, balls or kit to The Fiji Project at the game on Sunday as part of the National Rugby Championship’s Pasifika Round.

The game will be live streamed via foxsports.com.au from 1.00pm (AEDT).

2017 National Rugby Championship - Round 6
Melbourne Rising v Canberra Vikings
Sunday 8 October 2017
Frankston Park, Frankson
Kick-off: 1.00pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: LIVE STREAM via foxsports.com.au.
Live Updates: www.twitter.com/MelbourneRebels
 
Melbourne Rising team for Round 6 v Vikings:

1. Rory O’Connor
2. Siliva Siliva
3. Fereti Sa’aga
4. Jason Havea
5. Alex Toolis
6. Rob Leota
7. Ikapote Tupai
8. Lopeti Timani
9. Harrison Goddard
10. Jack McGregor
11. Henry Hutchison
12. Lloyd Johansson
13. Sione Tuipulotu
14. Kitione Ratu
15. Jack Maddocks
 
Reserves
 
16. Cameron Mapusua
17. Tom Moloney
18. Pome Fa’amausili
19. Sione Taufa
20. Mahe Vailanu
21. Maradona Farao
22. Hunter Paisami
23. Angelo Leaupepe
READ MORE
NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE REVIEW

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE REVIEW

02/10/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24346590
 
 

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE REVIEW

OCTOBER 2, 2017


The tables have turned following Round Five of the National Rugby Championship with Queensland Country, Canberra Vikings, Perth Spirit and Fiji Drua now all sitting at the top of the ladder.  
 
Canberra made a massive comeback on Friday night at Viking Park after thrashing Fiji Drua 65-5 which was without a doubt their best performance of the season. The home-side took a well-deserved 21-5 lead into the halftime break but the highlight came when man-of-the-match Tom Cusack scored his hat-trick in the final minutes.
 
On Saturday Queensland Country scored more than a half-century for the second week in a row, this time thumping Melbourne Rising 54-12 at Bond University. The eight tries and bonus point win means Country overtake Canberra on the NRC ladder. 
 
On Sunday the ladder became even closer, following Perth Spirit’s comprehensive 62-28 win over Brisbane City at the University of WA.  The ten-tries-to-four bonus point win means Perth jump back up to third spot.
 
This afternoon locals in sunny Goulburn were treated to some enterprising raids from the Sydney Rays in the dying stages but it was the NSW Country Eagles who held solid and came away with their second victory of the season winning 26-17.
 
2017 Standings after Round Five 
Bond University Queensland Country 15
Canberra Vikings 15
Road Safety Perth Spirit 15
Fiji Airways Drua 15
Greater Sydney Rams 9
Elders NSW Country Eagles 8
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 8
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 5
Melbourne Rising 4
 
Friday 29 September 
Canberra Vikings v Fiji Airways Drua
Canberra Vikings 66 (Tries: Cusack 3, Fa’alelei 2, Banks 2, Muirhead, Abel; Cons: Hawera 5, Lonergan, Rolando)
Fiji Airways Drua 5 (Tries: Lomani)
 
Saturday 30 September 
Bond University Queensland Country v Melbourne Rising
Bond University Queensland Country 54 (Tries: Daugunu 3, Feauai-Sautia, Tupou, Stewart, Paia’aua, Tela; Cons: Tuttle 4, Stewart, Daugunu 2; Cards: Daugunu (40+’), Nabuli (40+’)
Melbourne Rising 12 (Tries: Mapusua, Havea; Cons: McGregor)

Sunday 1 October
Road Safety Perth Spirit v McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City
Road Safety Perth Spirit 62 (Tries: M. Ruru 2, C. Peni 2, J. Verity-Amm, R. Arnold, A. Rangi, M. O’Brien, M. Erasmus, T. Ferris; Cons: P. Grant 5/8, H. Buick 1/1, S. Tarawa 0/1)
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 28 (Tries: L. Maranta 2, S. Manu, E. Fidow; Cons: Q. Cooper 4/4; Cards: E. Fidow (60’))
 
Monday 2 October
Elders NSW Country Eagles v Macquarie University Sydney Rays
Elders NSW Country Eagles 26 (Tries: A. Gibbon, S. Ward, J. Gordon, A. Newsome; Cons: T. Adams 2/4; Penalties: T. Adams 0/1.
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 17 (Tries: J. Turner, L. Latunipulu, A. Sinclair; Cons: Saifoloi 1/3)
 

 
 
READ MORE
Country top table with win over Rising

Country top table with win over Rising

01/10/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24331518
 

MATCH REPORT

Saturday 30 September 2017
 

Country top table with win over Rising

 

SUMMARY

2017 National Rugby Championship – Round 5
Queensland Country 54
Melbourne Rising 12
Venue: Bond University, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 3.00pm (AEST)

Match Recap



Queensland Country were too strong for the Melbourne Rising with a 54-12 victory at Bond University on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

A hat-trick from winger Filipo Dangunu, including two conversions, inspired Country to an eight-tries-to-two win in warm conditions in the fifth round of the 2017 National Rugby Championship.

After holding the Rising scoreless at half-time, the hosts piled on 40 points in the second-half to send Country to the top of the NRC ladder with four rounds to play.

Queensland Country 54 (Dangunu 3, Feauai-Sautia, Tupou, Stewart, Paia’aua, Tela tries; Tuttle 4, Dangunu 2, Stewart 1 cons) defeated Melbourne Rising 12 (Mapusua, Haveatries; McGregor 1 con)

Read more
 
Scoring Summary

15’       0-5       Chris Feauai-Sautia (Country) Try
15’       0-7       James Tuttle (Country) Conversion
34’       0-12     Filipo Dangunu (Country) Try
34’       0-14     James Tuttle (Country) Conversion
48’       0-19     Taniela Tupou (Country) Try
49’       0-21     James Tuttle (Country) Conversion
52’       0-26     Hamish Stewart (Country) Try
53’       0-28     James Tuttle (Country) Conversion
59’       5-28     Cameron Mapusua (Rising) Try
63’       5-33     Duncan Paia’aua (Country) Try
64’       5-35     Hamish Stewart (Country) Conversion
71’       5-40     Teti Tela (Country) Try
73’       5-45     Filipo Dangunu (Country) Try
75’       5-47     Filipo Dangunu (Country) Conversion
78’       5-52     Filipo Dangunu (Country) Try
78’       5-54     Filipo Dangunu (Country) Conversion
80’       10-54   Jason Havea (Rising) Try
80’       12-54   Jack McGregor (Rising) Conversion

Next Game
2017 National Rugby Championship - Round 6
Melbourne Rising v Canberra Vikings
Sunday 8 October 2017
Frankston Park, Frankston
Kick-off: 1.00pm (AEDT)
READ MORE
NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE PREVIEW

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE PREVIEW

29/09/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24308615
 
 

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017
With daylight savings coming into action for half the country this Sunday, it’s the perfect excuse to pack out your long weekend watching all four games in Round 5 of the National Rugby Championship.
 
Tonight Canberra will battle it out on home turf against ladder leaders Fiji Drua. Vikings’ Young gun Mack Hansen will make his NRC season debut after signing with the Brumbies for next season.
 
Tomorrow the Gold Coast will host a celebration of Rugby to a crowd of thousands. Queensland Country will take on Melbourne Rising plus it’s the fourth and final leg of the AON Uni 7s Series, the National U16s finals and the Junior Gold Cup competition.
 
On Sunday the two men to look out for will be Jono Lance playing for Perth and Quade Cooper for Brisbane who will go head to head at McGillivray Oval.
 
The final match for the round on Monday will see the Eagles take on the Rays in regional New South Wales. The Eagles have an unblemished record against the Rays and are no doubt keen to keep this intact.
 
Round Five Fixtures:

Friday 29 September 
Canberra Vikings v Fiji Airways Drua
Where: Viking Park, Canberra
When: 7:30 PM AEST
Broadcast Information:
  • Brumbies rookie Faalelei Sione and young gun Mack Hansen will make their 2017 NRC season debut for the Vikings
  • Flying Fijians Head Coach John McKee will be at the match scouting talent for the end of season tour
  • The Drua have dominated in their last three games including their 41-5 win over Perth last weekend which makes them the toughest team to beat this season
 
Saturday 30 September 
Bond University Queensland Country v Melbourne Rising
Where: Bond University, Gold Coast
When: 3:00 PM AEST
Broadcast Information:
  • The Gold Coast will host a huge celebration of Rugby tomorrow. On top of the NRC match it’s the final leg of the AON Uni 7s Series, the National U16s finals and the Junior Gold Cup comp
  • Melbourne have claimed victory in the last three matches against the Queensland boys including their most recent tight match winning 39-31 in 2015
  • For the first time this season Rising Head Coach Zane Hilton has kept the same forward pack which includes backrower Rob Leota
 
Sunday 1 October
Road Safety Perth Spirit v McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City
Where: McGillivray Oval, Perth
When: 5:00 PM AEDT (2:00 PM AWST)
Broadcast Information:
  • The two men to look out for will be Jono Lance playing for Perth and Quade Cooper for Brisbane
  • For the first time this season the Brisbane boys have an unchanged backline and Salesi Manu will be making his NRC debut following an international tournament in Japan
  • Perth will pursue their hardest to remain in the top four following one of their biggest losses last weekend against the Drua
 
Monday 2 October
Elders NSW Country Eagles v Macquarie University Sydney Rays
Where: Goulburn, NSW
When: 3:00 PM AEDT
Broadcast Information:
  • The Rays welcome back Irae Simone who was named NRCD player of the year in 2016 and has now recovered from a hamstring injury
  • Tom Staniforth from the Eagles was the man of the match last week and will be one to keep an eye on
  • The Eagles have an unblemished record against the Rays and are no doubt keen to keep this intact

2017 Standings after Round Four
Fiji Airways Drua 15
Bond University Queensland Country 10
Road Safety Perth Spirit 10
Canberra Vikings 10
Greater Sydney Rams 9
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 8
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 5
Elders NSW Country Eagles 4
Melbourne Rising 4
    

 
 
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NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR REVIEW

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR REVIEW

26/09/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24277215
 
 

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
Note to editors: Images are available here. Please credit the photographer.
 
Elders NSW Country Eagles claimed their first dramatic win for the 2017 NRC season after scoring the match winning try after the siren. The losing bonus point was cold comfort for the Vikings after leading by nine points inside the last ten minutes and then falling 25-24 at Bellevue Oval in Armidale.
 
The Fiji Airways Drua are officially the team to beat in 2017 following their comprehensive 41-5 win over defending title-holders Road Safety Perth Spirit in front of a huge home crowd in Suva. The home side were outstanding in defence and didn’t let Perth into the game until the 70th minute.
 
This afternoon Bond University Queensland Country’s dominant scrum were the catalyst for their 50-24 win over the Macquarie University Sydney Rays at Pittwater Rugby Park. Country skipper Duncan Paia’aua scored three of the eight tries on Sydney’s northern beaches which catapults the Queenslanders into the National Rugby Championships’ top four.

In the second Sunday match Melbourne Rising took a 26-0 lead into halftime and managed to hold the Greater Sydney Rams out in an entertaining second half before winning 41-31 at Harlequin Oval.
 
2017 Standings after Round Four
Fiji Airways Drua 15
Bond University Queensland Country 10
Road Safety Perth Spirit 10
Canberra Vikings 10
Greater Sydney Rams 9
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 8
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 5
Elders NSW Country Eagles 4
Melbourne Rising 4

Saturday 23 September 
Elders NSW Country Eagles v Canberra Vikings
Elders NSW Country Eagles 25 (Tries: Ward, Gibbon, Newsome; Cons: Adams 2/3; Pens: Adams 2/2)
Canberra Vikings 24 (Tries: Fainga’aa (2), Robinson; Cons: Hawera 3/3; Pens: Hawera 1/1)
 
Saturday 23 September 
Fiji Airways Drua v Road Safety Perth Spirit
Fiji Airways Drua 41 (Tries: J. Stewart 2, F. Lomani, A. Waqatabu, P. Raidre, F. Seru; Cons: A. Waqatabu 4/6; Pens: A. Waqatabu 1/1)
Road Safety Perth Spirit 5 (Try: I. Naisarani)
 
Sunday 24 September 
Macquarie University Sydney Rays v Bond University Queensland Country
Macquarie University Sydney Rays 24 (Tries: P. Balekana, D. Fitzpatrick, D. Lolohea; Cons: R. Saifoloi 3/3; Pens: R. Saifoloi 1/1)
Bond University Queensland Country 50 (Tries: D. Paia’aua 3, F. Daugunu 2, J. Tuttle, C. Feauai-Sautia, H. Stewart; Cons: J. Tuttle 4/6, S. Malolua 1/2)
 
Sunday 24 September 
Melbourne Rising v Greater Sydney Rams
Melbourne Rising 41 (Tries: S. Tupou 2, K. Ratu 2, S. Tuipulotu, H. Goddard; Cons: J. McGregor 3/4, H. Goddard ½; Pens: J. McGregor 1/1)
Greater Sydney Rams 31(Tries: T. Naiyaravoro 2, H. Roach, K. Ale, W. Wessels; Cons: J. Ayoub 2/3, M. Mason 0/1, C. Bailey 1/1)

 
 
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NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR PREVIEW

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR PREVIEW

22/09/2017, Australia, Rugby, National Rugby Championships (Rugby), Article # 24235462
 
 

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
Regional NSW Rugby fans will be treated to a game in their own backyard this weekend when the Eagles take on Canberra Vikings in Armidale at 1:00 PM AEST.
 
Following this match top of the ladder teams Road Safety Perth Spirit and Fiji Airways Drua will go head to head in Fiji in front of a fervent crowd of locals.
 
On Sunday Sydney siders can once again get behind the Rays who will battle it out against Queensland Country at Pittwater Park. Bryce Hegarty will make his Rays debut after signing a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs.
 
The final match of the round will see Melbourne Rising take on the Greater Sydney Rams to a huge home crowd at Harlequin Rugby Club.
 
The full team announcements can be found here.
 
Round Four Fixtures:
Saturday 23 September 
Elders NSW Country Eagles v Canberra Vikings
Where: Bellevue Oval, Armidale, NSW
When: 1:00 PM AEST
Broadcast Information:
  • The Eagles will play their first home game for the NRC season
  • NSW will welcome back Brumbies and Wallabies back Kyle Godwin
  • Canberra Vikings fell agonisingly short of maintaining an unbeaten start to the season, falling 42-40 to Brisbane City last week
  • Robbie Abel has been the Vikings stand out performer and will be one to look out for again on Saturday
Saturday 23 September 
Fiji Airways Drua v Road Safety Perth Spirit
Where: 3:00 PM AEST
When: Suva, Fiji
Broadcast Information:
  • The ladder leading teams will battle it out in Fiji for the second international game in the NRC season
  • The Drua boys dominated in their last two games with Mosese Voka proving to be a crucial defensive influence
  • Perth will host a line-up of Pindan Premier Grade stars including fullback Brendan Owen who scored his maiden NRC try last week and Australian U20 representative Clay Uyen who was an outstanding debut in Round Three
Sunday 24 September 
Macquarie University Sydney Rays v Bond University Queensland Country
Where: Pittwater Park, Sydney
When: 1:00 PM AEST
Broadcast Information:
  • Bryce Hegarty will make his Macquarie University Sydney Rays debut after just signing a new two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs
  • Queensland Country will welcome a home game advantage and extra recovery time under their belts following a bye last weekend
  • Both teams sit on five points on the NRC ladder and are desperate to keep touch with the top four
Sunday 24 September 
Melbourne Rising v Greater Sydney Rams
Where: Harlequin Club, Melbourne
When: 3:00 PM AEST
  • Thousands of Melbourne fans are expected to show their support for their home Rising team this Sunday at Harlequin Park
  • Both Rising and Rams are looking to get back in the winners’ circle after last-start losses
  • The Rams have made six changes from last weekend and welcome back NSW Waratahs star Jed Holloway
 
2017 Standings after Round Three
Road Safety Perth Spirit 10
Fiji Airways Drua 10
Canberra Vikings 9
Greater Sydney Rams 9
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 8
Bond University Queensland Country 5
Sydney Rays 5
Elders NSW Country Eagles 0
Melbourne Rising 0
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