East Coast Aces vs Western Sydney Rams - Match Preview

09/09/2007

Venue & time

Gold Coast Stadium. Sunday, September 9, 4pm (AEST)

Head to head

Debut clash

Team changes

The Aces have lost their skipper Nic Berry with a minor knee injury. Sam Batty starts at scrumhalf while injured hooker Ole Avei has been replaced by Jade Ingham. There has also been a backline reshuffle with the enterprising Quade Cooper coming into the starting line-up at inside centre, Watai Walker moves to outside and Henari Veratau goes to the wing, Marshal Milroy goes back to the bench. Ben Mowen and Josh Afu roles swap in the loose with Mowen taking over the captain's duties and starting in the number eight jersey.

The Rams will be without centre Chris Siale with an ankle injury ruling out the talented centre for at least three weeks. Rory Sidey comes into the starting side at outside centre with Lachlan Mitchell moving into No.12. The only other change sees James Lakepa coming back onto the bench after his recovery from a calf injury in place of Peter Niumata.

Form

After looking decidedly flat in their third-round loss to the Central Coast Rays, the Aces surprised everyone with a stunning come-from-behind win to defeat the high-flying Canberra Vikings last week on the Gold Coast.

Competition leaders the Western Sydney Rams continue to look strong securing their third straight win last start. The forwards are finishing over the top of opposition packs with better discipline, particularly in the loose, while their star-studded backline, can put away any opposition.

Who's hot

Aces fullback Chris Walker played a blinder last start and has been the East Coast's form player of the competition so far. Speedy winger Brett Stapleton impressed in his debut start last week while Batty also caught the eye when he came on to replace the injured Berry. Up front, Test prop Rod Blake is in rampaging form.

Kurtley Beale continues to star for the Rams while the Sydneysiders will miss Siale as he has also been dazzling in a winning outfit. Flanker Ben Coridas was in everything last week while lock Van Humphries has also been impressive.

Teams

East Coast Aces

1. Tama Tuirirangi,
2. Jade Ingham,
3. Rodney Blake,
4. Will Munsie,
5. Luke Caughley,
6. Josh Afu,
7. AJ Gilbert,
8. Ben Mowen (c),

9. Sam Batty,
10. Ben Lucas,
11. Brett Stapleton,
12. Quade Cooper,
13. Watai Walker
14. Henari Veratau,
15. Andrew Walker.

16. Joe Tufuga,
17. Lloyd Campbell-McBride,
18. James Kriukelis,
19. Bo Paraha,
20. Curtis Franks,
21. Marshall Milroy,
22. John Dart.

Western Sydney Rams

1. Ben Alexander,
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (vc),
3. Aaron Broughton-Rouse,
4. Ben Hand (c),
5. Van Humphries,
6. Ben Coridas,
7. Will Brame,
8. Tom Egan,

9. Josh Holmes,
10. Kurtley Beale,
11. Fa’atonu Fili,
12. Lachlan Mitchell,
13. Rory Sidey,
14. Ben Martin,
15. Lachie Turner (vc).

16. Ben Roberts,
17. James Lakepa,
18. Marty Wilson,
19. Mark Howell,
20. Dave Rimmer,
21. Hugh Perrett,
22. Rory Sidey.