Wallaby hopefuls Will Genia, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz and Lachie Turner all played a hand in Brisbane City’s 34-26 win over previously undefeated NSW Country Eagles at Lismore on Sunday, leaving Melbourne Rising atop the National Rugby Championship ladder, the only undefeated side.
After a subdued debut in City colours last weekend, Genia aided his chances to return to Wallaby gold with a solid outing in the number nine jersey, whilst teammate Schatz bagged a trio of tries in City’s upset win.
Gill was at his industrious best once more, as he pestered each and every Eagles breakdown in search for prized turnover ball.
After leading 29-10 at the break, the visitors held on despite a 16-5 second half effort from the Eagles.
Early in the round the Rising flexed their muscles in Thursday night’s 44-24 win over Perth Spirit despite a strong first half from the West Australians.
The Spirit looked as though they could pull off an upset in front of the AAMI Park faithful when they were rewarded for a high octane opening 20 minutes with a try to Alex Rovira, but the Rising proved too strong over the remaining 60 minutes.
Despite Zack Holmes handing Perth a shot at victory just minutes into the second half with a five pointer, Melbourne remained composed and scored four tries in the second term to round out a 44-24 victory.
In the curtain raiser to the Wallabies’ match against Argentina, North Harbour Rays recorded their first win of the season over a Queensland Country side that surged in the second half comeback at Cbus Super Stadium.
Trailing 24-8 at the break, a penalty try to the home side gave them some much needed momentum and after Todd Winkley dotted down for his second try and Jack de Guingand scored in the corner, Country had their first lead of the evening.
Ed Gower then went from zero to hero for the visitors, crossing for the decisive try after being sin binned earlier in the second term.
In Saturday’s other match, the Sydney Stars were unable to break their losing streak as they fell to the Greater Sydney Rams, 47-18.
The Rams’ first win of the season was highlighted by three tries between wingers Taqele Naiyaravoro and Jarome McKenzie, who despite contrasting size and styles of play, were equally impressive in the 29-point win.
