The Western Force will take on the Canberra Vikings in the 2019 National Rugby Championship Grand Final.
Kicking off at 12:00pm (AWST) next Saturday, the Force will host the Vikings at the University of Western Australia Sports Park in Perth. The match to be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Kayo.
The Force secured their first-ever home final following a hard-fought battle against Brisbane City with only four points separating the two sides.
The 2019 minor premiers had all but secured the result at the midpoint of the second half with a 25-point lead, before Brisbane City struck back with three unanswered tries. But the visitors left their offensive too late, a turnover in the 83rd minute closed out the match and confirmed the West Australians’ place in the final.
Meanwhile in Canberra, Vikings flyhalf Noah Lolesio kicked an 80th-minute conversion to book his side’s flights to Perth. The conversion came following a try from Tom Banks who crashed over on the final play of the match. The defending champions, Fijian Drua had jumped out to a 22-0 lead at the half but were mowed down in a stunning second half fightback by the Vikings.
Rugby Australia continued its partnership with Rural Aid in the semi-finals to raise funds for farmers and regional communities affected by one of the most severe droughts in memory.
Funds raised at both venues will be used to purchase hay for farmers, a hamper for their families or water for their animals. Contributing to the amount raised in round six as well as the initial $5000 donation made by Rugby Australia to commence the campaign.
Donations can still be made online, and those over $2 are tax-deductible.
To make a donation please click here.
Semi-Final Results:
Western Force 42 defeated Brisbane City 38
Western Force
Tries: Pama Fou 2, Issak Fines Leleiwasa 2, Andrew Deegan, Jonah Placid
Cons: Andrew Deegan 6
Brisbane City
Tries: Maile Ngauamo 2, Isaac Henry, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Serupepeli Uru
Cons: Bryce Hegarty 5
Pens: Bryce Hegarty
Canberra Vikings 28 defeated the Fijian Drua 27
Canberra Vikings
Tries: Tom Wright 2, Angus Allen, Tom Banks
Cons: Ryan Lonergan 3, Noah Lolesio
Fijian Drua
Tries: Ratunaisa Navuma, Tevita Ikanivere, Seru Vularika, Peni Nabureitau
Cons: Enele Tikotani 2
Pens: Enele Tikotani
