Bond University Queensland Country go down to the Rising in Melbourne

Sep 5 • General News, International • 1186 Views • Comments Off on Bond University Queensland Country go down to the Rising in Melbourne

Bond University Queensland Country have gone down to the Melbourne Rising 46-32 in Round 2 of the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship, at Harlequins Rugby Club in Melbourne.

Queensland Country ran in four first-half tries to lead 32-16 at half-time. But the Rising controlled proceedings in the second stanza, crossing for 30 unanswered points, to secure the win.

The team headed into the match with only 22-men after Apisai Naiyabo was ruled out of the match in the warm up, suffering a suspected broken cheekbone, forcing Tyrell Barker into the starting line-up.

“It was tough to lose today’s game after securing a solid half-time lead,” said head coach Toutai Kefu.

“However it was an improved effort from last week’s match and we’re heading in the right direction.

“Despite the result, there were some great individual performances and our forwards worked well as a unit. Our set-piece was a highlight for the team.”

A converted try to Tom English gave the home side an early 8-nil lead, but a yellow card to Jordy Reid reduced the Rising to 14-men.

Country made the most of their advantage and crossed for two tries through locks Rob Simmons and Izack Rodda. Flyhalf Mack Mason slotted both conversions to give Country a 16-8 lead.

Outside centre Izaia Perese crossed for a brilliant individual try in the 16^th minute to extend Country’s lead to 24-8, before Rising hooker Pat Leafa crashed over to narrow the margin to 24-16.

Country lost Number 8 Lolo Fakaosilea before the half-time break after suffering a hamstring injury, which saw Phil Potgieter come on in the second row and Rob Simmons move into the loose-forwards.

Conor Mitchell pounced on a dropped ball from the Rising on the stroke of half-time, running 30 metres to cross under the posts. Mason slotted the conversion seeing Country head into the sheds at the break ahead 32-16.

Melbourne playmaker Ben Meehan crossed for the first try of the second-half in 47^th minute, which he converted, to narrow the margin to 32-24.

Wallabies squad member Lopeti Tomani and winger Ah-Mu Tuimalealiifano crossed for back-to-back tries to put Melbourne ahead 38-32 before the 60 minute-mark.

The game stopped for a period of time following Tuimalealiifano’s try in the 58^th minute, with Country winger Eto Nabuli leaving the field via Ambulance. Initial reports suggest a concussion injury and he will undergo further scans in Melbourne.

As play resumed, momentum shifted between the two sides before outside centre Sione Tuipulotu crashed over in the 72^nd minute to secure the match for the Rising. Meehan slotted the final conversion leaving the score at 46-32.

Queensland Country will return to Bond University on the Gold Coast next Saturday for their Round 3 match against the Sydney Rays. Kick-off is at 3:00pm and tickets can be purchased from www.redsrugby.com.au.

Queensland Country 32 (R Simmons, I Rodda, I Perese, C Mitchell tries; M Mason 4 conv) defeated by Melbourne Rising 46 (T English, P Leafa, B Meehan, L Tomani, A Tuimalealiifano, S Tuipulotu tries; B Meehan 5 conv)