The Sydney Stars are still winless after seven rounds of the National Rugby Championship after going down late to the NSW Country Eagles at Leichhardt Oval on Monday.
The Eagles left it late, a try to forward Cameron Treloar with seven minutes remaining enough to seal a 26-24 victory and lift them from fifth to second on the ladder.
Quade Cooper was the big story of the round when he returned to the starting line-up for Brisbane City in their clash with the Greater Sydney Rams on Friday night.
With just a stint from the bench under his belt following a five-month shoulder injury layoff, Cooper’s return to the No.10 jersey wasn’t able to spark his side in a 56-29 loss at Parramatta Stadium.
Brisbane were outmuscled in the physical contests and could not provide enough momentum through their forward pack to generate the space and time that Cooper thrives on.
Whilst Cooper organised his backs efficiently in the limited opportunities that he had and recorded a try assist for Samu Kerevi’s five-pointer early in the second half, there were some chemistry issues between the 50-Test veteran and his outside backs which lead to plenty of drop ball.
On Thursday night, UC Vikings fullback Jesse Mogg missed a penalty goal after the siren that would have won the match, leaving the North Harbour Rays with their second draw in as many weeks, this time a 21-all stalemate.
The highly touted Vikings were uninspiring through the 80 minutes and despite tries to Nigel Ah Wong and regular Brumbies Robbie Coleman and Jarrad Butler, the Canberra outfit fell short of pre-game expectations once more.
This was not the case in Perth as the Spirit dismantled Queensland Country with ease at Rockingham Rugby Club.
The Spirit boasted a side with several Western Force veterans and had too much firepower for the struggling Country side, as they ran in ten tries to four in the 68-29 win.
Kane Koteka picked up a trio of tries for the home side, an effort that was matched by Country flanker Jack de Guingand, who was exceptional despite playing in a well-beaten side.
The win moves Perth into third spot on the competition ladder due to their superior points differential over the Rams and Brisbane City.
