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The Perth Spirit will wrap up the 2014 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship regular season this Saturday, 18 October when they travel to Dubbo to take on the NSW Country Eagles.
The Spirit has seen some changes to the backline this week with Wanneroo’s Koiatu Koiatu called into the side to make his Buildcorp NRC debut. The fleet-footed Cook Islands Sevens representative has been named on the wing with UWA’s Christian Joubert moving to fullback after standout debut in Round Seven, scoring the opening try.
Associates’ Justin Turner and Palmyra’s Va’a Mailei have been elevated to the starting side at scrumhalf and on the wing respectively and Ammon Matuauto, also from Soaks, returns to the centres in place of Wallaby squad member Kyle Godwin.
The side will be led by Joe Savage from Palmyra with Perth Bayswater’s Chris Heiberg joining him in the front row, replacing Tetera Faulkner who was called into the Wallabies squad.
Other changes to the forward pack include UWA’s Corey Thomas in the second row, returning from a shoulder injury, and Richard Hardwick elevated into the starting side on the flank.
UWA Pindan Premier Grade captain Cian O’Connor is set to make his Perth Spirit debut off the bench, covering the back-row while Kaisa Reidy has been called into the match day 23 for the second time and is also set to earn his first cap.
Coach Kevin Foote said the side’s preparation was strong this week and while there is a lot riding on the result leading into the 2014 Buildcorp NRC final series, the side was just focused on Saturday’s performance and writing their own destiny.
“The effort at training this week has been exceptional as it has been all season and after a week’s break we are very keen to get back out there and finish this season well,” he said. “The boys are very fired up.
“While we have a lot to play for this week. Our focus is on our own game, playing out the full 80 and if we can get that done we are confident that the result will take care of itself.
“While have had some players succumb to injury, we have been able to bring in some very capable replacements in Koiatu and Cian [O’Connor] from our local player base to cover us and we look forward to seeing them get their opportunity in this competition.”
Round Nine will be recognised as Mental Health Round with Buildcorp working together with the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) and state unions to raise $50,000 in funds for the Buildcorp Charitable Fund to assist Lifeline’s Online Crisis Support Chat.
2014 Buildcorp NRC Mental Health Round - Week Nine
NSW Country Eagles v Perth Spirit
Caltex Park, Dubbo
Saturday, 18 October 2014
Kick-off: 6.00pm (local)/3pm (AWST)
1. Joe Savage (c) (Palmyra)
2. Robbie Abel (Cottesloe)
3. Chris Heiberg (Perth Bayswater)
4. Corey Thomas (UWA)
5. Brent Murphy (Perth Bayswater)
6. Richard Hardwick (UWA)
7. Kane Koteka (Wests Scarborough)
8. Al Rovira (Associates)
9. Justin Turner (Associates)
10. Zack Holmes (Associates)
11. Koiatu Koiatu (Wanneroo)
12. Luke Burton (UWA)
13. Ammon Matuauto (Associates)
14. Va’a Mailei (Palmyra)
15. Christian Joubert (UWA)
Reserves
16. Harry Scoble (UWA)
17. Oliver Hoskins (Cottesloe)
18. Kaisa Reidy (Cottesloe)
19. Kieran Stringer (Cottesloe)
20. Cian O’Connor (UWA)
21. Michael Ruru (Nedlands)
22. Davis Tavita (Nedlands)
23. Nili Fielea (Cottesloe)
Great to see the Perth club boys holding their own against the 'superiour' rugby from NSW.
So much for the NSW club scene being the premier club scene in Australia
think it will be a tall task to win this one
I think a draw will do![]()
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Agree with BDGF will be a tall task for the lads, keep it close they’re in with a chance. Good to see the about to turn 37 years young K.K debuting on the left wing, however one thinks what benefit does it have, I’m sure we’ve got a few 18 to 22 year olds who would relish the experience….
Good luck lads Go W.A (and ABs!!)
Is that Erica Rowe in your new avi Pacman???!!
KK starting?
Last few years I've seen him he's been the impact player off the bench.
It'll be damn good to see him and what he can do!
Agree also BG - can't see them doing this one. Although all they have to do is pretend they're the Force guys and do the same things they didi last coupla weeks. No streaming available - is the Force gonna do a twitter feed?
How have the Eagles crowds been for their out of Sydney games??
Hope the Spirit boys give it a real crack!
Charles Sturt University NSW Country Eagles
(v Perth Spirit)
1) Duncan Chubb
2) Bill Johnston
3) Jake Illnicki
4) Ben Matwijow
5) Richard Stanford
6) Tala Gray
7) Will Miller
8) Stephen Hoiles
9) Brendan McKibbin
10) Sam Windsor
11) Andrew Kellaway
12) Apukuki Maufu
13) Samu Wara
14) Joel Brooks
15) Darcy Etrich
16) Michael Alaalatoa
17) Ben Suisala
18) Will Weeks
19) Cam Treloar
20) Mick Snowden
21) Pauli Tuala
22) Eli Sinoti
23) Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
Certainly doesn't look that much more impressive than the Spirit team on paper. A few old Force players there as well in Stanford, Wara and Snowden. No Paddy though.
Would have been good to see Brad Lacey up Andrew Kellaway the 2 U/20 Junior World Cup Wingers. Is Brad injured?
I think with tonights results as long as Brisbane City beat the Vikings then the result of Spirit game wont matter and we are in the finals.