VIKINGS LEAD THE CHARGE FOLLOWING THE OPENING ROUND OF THE NRC

The opening round of the 2019 National Rugby Championship has seen defending premiers Fiji Drua tie with Brisbane City. While the Western Force, NSW Country and the Canberra Vikings have all claimed wins in their respective matches.

Round 1: NSW Country Eagles 38 defeated Sydney 33 NSW Country Eagles Tries: David Vea 2, Tim Clements, Matthew Sandell, Angus Bell, Jack Grant Cons: James Kane 4 Sydney Tries: Lachlan Swinton, William Harrison, Shambeckler Vui, Lalakai Foketi, Christian Poidevin Cons: William Harrison 4, Ben Donaldson

Melbourne Rising 22 was defeated by Canberra Vikings 47 Melbourne Rising Tries: Justin Masters, Semisi Tupou, Ross Haylett-Petty Cons: Michael Maloney 2 Canberra Vikings Tries: Thomas Wright, Noah Lolesio, Pete Samu, Toni Pulu, Andy Muirhead, Mack Hansen, Irae Simone Cons: Ryan Lonergan 6

Brisbane City 22 tie with Fijian Drua 22 Brisbane City Tries: Nicholas Chapman, Sefa Naivalu, Teti Tela, Hunter Paisami Cons: Isaac Lucas Fijian Drua Tries: Peceli Nacebe 2, Joeli Veitayaki Cons: Seru Vularika 2 Pens: Seru Vularika

Western Force 50 defeated Queensland Country 49 Western Force Tries: Heath Tessmann, Jack McGregor, Nick Jooste 2, Carlo Tizzano, Dominic Hardman, Fergus Lee-warer, Jonah Placid Cons: Andrew Deegan 5 Queensland Country Tries: Rohan Saifoloi, Tate McDermott, Angus Blyth, Filipo Daugunu 2, Patrick James, Joey Fittock Cons: Rohan Saifoloi 7

2019 National Rugby Championship Ladder 1. Canberra Vikings, 5 points 2. NSW Country Eagles, 4 points 3. Western Force, 4 points 4. Brisbane City, 2 points 5. Fijian Drua, 2 points 6. Queensland Country, 1 point 7. Sydney, 1 point 8. Melbourne Rising, 0 points

Report supplied by Rugby AU