Rd 8: Melbourne Rising v NSW Country Eagles

The Melbourne Rising have made two changes to the starting line-up for their final game of the season against NSW Country Eagles on Sunday afternoon at Harlequin Park from 2.30pm (AEDT). With the bye in next weekend’s final round of the 2017 National Rugby Championship regular season, the Rising welcome back Emmanuel Latu-Meafou and Sione Taufa for the last appearance of the 2017 campaign. Latu-Meafou slots back into the No.5 jersey following his return from injury which saw the 19-year-old miss the last two games against Canberra Vikings and Brisbane City while Taufa has been recalled to the run-on team for the first time since Round 2. The Rising will be without experienced backrower Lopeti Timani and hooker Jordan Uelese after the pair were called into Wallabies camp ahead of Saturday’s third and final Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in Sydney. Rising head coach Zane Hilton has named an unchanged backline for the first time since Round 3 this season. Hooker Cameron Mapusua has been recalled onto the reserves bench for his fourth appearance of the season, alongside Tom Moloney, Pone Fa’amausili, Jason Havea, Mahe Vailanu, Harrison Goddard, Hunter Paisami and Angelo Leaupepe. “We really want to finish this season on a positive note but the Eagles still have plenty to play for so we need to dig deep for one last time this year,” Hilton said. “I’m immensely proud of our young side’s enthusiasm to learn, grow and develop every week despite a challenging season in terms of results on the rugby field. “It’s been a big eight weeks without a break so the young bodies and minds are ready for a rest after a first experience for many in a professional rugby environment and the rigours that come with travelling, training and playing against senior competition.” The Rising and Eagles will meet for the fifth time in the National Rugby Championship. After the Rising won the first two meetings in 2014 and 2015, the Eagles claimed victories in the two games last season, including the NRC semi-final in Newcastle to book their spot in the Grand Final against champions Perth Spirit. Hilton’s emphasis on expressive attacking rugby has been reflected in the competition’s statistics with the Rising leading the league for metres run, carries, defenders beaten and passes. After a late double against Brisbane City last weekend, fullback Jack Maddocks needs one more try to equal the club’s record for second-most tries (6) in a single NRC season, behind leader Telusa Veainu with eight (2014). 2017 National Rugby Championship - Round 8 Melbourne Rising v NSW Country Eagles Sunday 22 October 2017 Harlequin Park, Melbourne Kick-off: 2.30pm (AEST) Broadcast: LIVE on FOX SPORTS 501 Live Updates: www.twitter.com/MelbourneRebels Melbourne Rising team for Round 8 v NSW Country Eagles: 1. Rory O’Connor 2. Siliva Siliva 3. Fereti Sa’aga 4. Alex Toolis 5. Emmanuael Latu-Meafou 6. Sione Taufa 7. Ikapote Tupai 8. Rob Leota 9. Nic Stirzaker 10. Jack McGregor 11. Henry Hutchison 12. Lloyd Johansson 13. Sione Tuipulotu 14. Kitione Ratu 15. Jack Maddocks Reserves 16. Cameron Mapusua 17. Tom Moloney 18. Pone Fa’amausili 19. Jason Havea 20. Mahe Vailanu 21. Harrison Goddard 22. Hunter Paisami 23. Angelo Leaupepe