Brisbane City vs Perth Spirit, Rd1 2015

[Dctarget]

Brisbane take four competition points after a 29-16 win.

From what I saw defence was surprisingly decent from both sides and I was pleasantly surprised with the referee's performance.

LFG led from the front with some excellent ball running, rucking and defence for my MOTM.

 

[FilthRugby]

How did Karmichael go? I didn't see the game unfortunately.

 

[Highlander35]

The agreement on the circuit was that the RFU would act as the only team that could qualify and that team GB could only have one ticket in the raffle rather than 3. Because they won through that, they got to be the managing body, rather than whichever team came highest through the European circuit.

Selection is open to everybody, including the Ulstermen, but because of the nature of the IRFU, they're not gonna be selecting anybody from there.

I don't think that WR (World Rugby) would let any home Nations player switch allegiances, say from Scotland to Wales through the loophole. But I think that if "someone" wanted to play for team GB, and had Scottish or Welsh ancestry, but not English, they would be allowed to qualify through switching allegiances to whomever they were eligible for.

Point is moot, there's a snowball's chance in hell of anybody trying it, especially if we're specifically talking Gill. But if he was eligible for the states, well, maybe give it a go son.

 

[Dctarget]

How did Karmichael go? I didn't see the game unfortunately.

Only saw the second half and highlights of the first, but from what I did see, ran some very good lines including a lovely one for his first half try. Also defended very well.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

The agreement on the circuit was that the RFU would act as the only team that could qualify and that team GB could only have one ticket in the raffle rather than 3. Because they won through that, they got to be the managing body, rather than whichever team came highest through the European circuit.

Selection is open to everybody, including the Ulstermen, but because of the nature of the IRFU, they're not gonna be selecting anybody from there.

I don't think that WR (World Rugby) would let any home Nations player switch allegiances, say from Scotland to Wales through the loophole. But I think that if "someone" wanted to play for team GB, and had Scottish or Welsh ancestry, but not English, they would be allowed to qualify through switching allegiances to whomever they were eligible for.

Point is moot, there's a snowball's chance in hell of anybody trying it, especially if we're specifically talking Gill. But if he was eligible for the states, well, maybe give it a go son.

I was going from what a commentator said, he obviously had it wrong. Either way. I agree.

 

[light]

Interesting first viewing.

The pace surprised me, seem very gung-ho and the execution was a little off the mark, which I guess should have been expected from the first hit out of the season.

Kerevi was quiet, Hunt showed great hands and McIntyre appears to be settled at 10. Gill was a class above nearly every other forward on the field. Frisby is going to be the creative spark, I thought the #11 was quite good too (especially that try saving tackle) and hope the BC #1 isn't injured too badly.

No idea what the reason was for the change in the scrum momentum but the Spirit really got on top early in the second half. #15 needs to work on fielding the high ball, dropped a few too many for my liking.

Will certainly be tuning in again. Looking forward to the QLD Country v Rising game.

 

[qwerty51]

How did Karmichael go? I didn't see the game unfortunately.

He had a sniff for the white line and scored.

 

[TOCC]

MOTM for me was Gill, although Tessman from the Spirit came very close. Thomas playing at lock for City was great, and Laloifi at fullback showed some class although i think he is a better wing then fullback.

 

[Jagman]

I'm pretty sure the Olympics loophole requires the player to not have represented his country for perhaps 3 years (it is at least two and Gill played for Aus sevens just last year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Brumby Runner]

MOTM for me was Gill, although Tessman from the Spirit came very close. Thomas playing at lock for City was great, and Laloifi at fullback showed some class although i think he is a better wing then fullback.

Yep - agree with all those comments. On the other hand, I thought McIntyre really didn't show much at 10, and if Frisby is the next best 9 to Phipps next year, the Wallabies will again be in trouble. Just can't see him rising to the next level.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Been a great game. Liking the look of Hardwick.

He's been outstanding for my club University over the last couple of seasons. When Chris Alcock came back to play first grade he moved to eight and did well there too. He's an absolute tank with a big motor. I like him a lot.

 

[Scoey]

Yep - agree with all those comments. On the other hand, I thought McIntyre really didn't show much at 10, and if Frisby is the next best 9 to Phipps next year, the Wallabies will again be in trouble. Just can't see him rising to the next level.

Frisby is still a kid and he's spent his pro career either on the bench watching Genia or playing flyhalf. Maybe don't get too judgey just yet. He'll go alright.

 

[Intruder]

Good start for Bris City in the opening game obviously IMO very sloppy but good things seen tonight.

Backline looked very unorganised as expected in the first game but it will only get better a lot of class in that Bris City line up.

The starting forward pack is quite good in fact very good around all facets e.g Scrum, Lineout etc. The problem that Bris City will find is that there second tier players are a big drop from the squad last season especially in the tight 5 which will effect them in the long run having the starting players endure long minutes.

At times last season they had a rotation with that quality but it won't be the case this season. Just a reminder in the quality they have lost it includes Kite Faagase, Buchanan, Kotze, Wilkin and Mullins with Korzyck, Mafi, Gunn all out due to injury.
A lot of depth is missed, a perfect example is when Kerevi went down last season and Mullins slotted in perfectly for the final two games and was exceptional. The worry is if Caydern Neville goes off like he did tonight they lose a lot up front size and experience in that pack which effects there game.

Overall, solid start but it will be a tough to achieve the heights of last year if they are to put that on the shoulders of the starting 15.

 

[hammertimethere]

I still suspect Karmichael's best position will be 12 (I thought that when he came over) and Kerevi's is still a toss up (he's done well at both but I kind of like him running slightly wider)

 

[Dan54]

Went into game, thoroughly enjoyed it. I actually didn't think Karmichael added anything and was a little disappointed with his game. Yep and Gill had a pretty good game, thought both teams played well at times, and was certainly a fairly good ad for the comp. I still don't like the 3 point conversion, you somehow get feeling it's not proper rugby because the scoring all wrong, but that only a little complaint, all in all good start to season and I will be attending more games.

 

[Sully]

The review is up on the front page.

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/brisbane-city-beat-perth-spirit-in-nrc-opener/

It was a great game to watch on TV but I have concerns about City defending their trophy after last nights display. Then again I haven't seen any other teams play yet. Hunt, Junior Laloifi and Thomson the second rower stood out for me. And Liam f Gill had his usual masterful performance. Perths ruck work was outstanding I lost count of how many turnovers they won.

 

[fatprop]

How did Karmichael go? I didn't see the game unfortunately.

He did some really good defensive work in cover, ran smart lines and generally makes good decisions

 

[fatprop]

I still suspect Karmichael's best position will be 12 (I thought that when he came over) and Kerevi's is still a toss up (he's done well at both but I kind of like him running slightly wider)

I think that depends on the set up, he could be a "Conrad Smith" type leader if the a side wants to play with width.

That may work for City, but I don't think RG will use a set up like that at the Reds

 

[Shiggins]

Looks like the spirit have about as much spirit as the force did this year. The ref was average and set Brisbane up well for the game off that monster forward pass try.
Saying that the ref was pretty laid back in general. The game was. Open for any team to do as they pleased. I understand this is the nrc but the game still needs to be officiated. The amount of obstruction from Brisbane (non intentional) was a bit silly.

 

[Train Without a Station]

I was impressed with Criff Tupou when he came on. Had a couple of good runs when he came on but was disappointed to see him injured not long after.

I was on the Hill and I must say Hunt looked like a big unit in person. Big legs on the bloke.

Also noticed next to the stand down the hill end a few boys from the Country squad were there. Now I'm 178cm, and about 91kg and in reasonable nick, but no Arnie and I'd doubt if Sef Fa'agase would look any bigger standing next to me. I think he might need to add on some beef to have an impact as a prop beyond this level.