I heard it through the grapevine...
But I'm not revealing my sources! So gather round children as we spill the good wine on the week that was and the weekend that will be...
There's a leak in this ship!
Seems one Victorian Club can be thanked for breaking the biggest news story in world rugby - the naming of who was set to host the Next World Cup!
With a strict media embargo placed until 9pm last night, one trigger happy club forgot to read the fine print and prematurely announced Australia's success to the world!
A job with the RA media team surely beckons...
100 of the best
'Simmo' Brown raised a bat for the Rams on Saturday, notching up 100 senior games for the Club.
With some fancy new benches for the subs out at Ram City, perhaps Simmo's name can go on the shortlist when it comes time to dedicating the reserves seating to a pominent club figure?
Referee-in
Some big ins also for the refs this week with Amber and Ollie both returning from International and Super Rugby duties respectfully.
We're all too familiar with the state of many club level referee change rooms, so here's hoping the return to clubland isn't too overwhelming!
On the Tube
Kiwi Hawthorn fanatics would have recognised some familiar voices on the RV livestream last Saturday, with Bakes and Matty making their commentary debut last week in the Dewar Shield Match of the Round.
As some pedantic snouts did pick up though, they must have thought they were calling a Super Rugby match. Their call for a red carded player to be replaced after 20 minutes fell on deaf ears as it is not in the community game. A law book is on its way Kiwi Hawthorn as we speak.
Dewar Shield Preview
Footscray vs Endeavour Hills (Match of the Round streamed on Rugby Victoria FB page)
The Doggies were smashed both by illness and the Unicorns last week. It was horror day for Footscray with sickness ravaging all their teams but they were still hopeful of a good result, however Melbourne ran them ragged.
With players returning, the Doggies faithful will be hopeful of a better showing against an Endeavour side who took a long while to get going against Powerhouse last weekend. The Eagles would have been happy to bag the 5 points but still have a lot to work on and their slow starts will be an area of concern that was sure to be highlighted at the Nest this week.
Moses Faaola is dangerous off the kicking tee so Footscray can't infringe too close to their posts or he will make them pay.
Endeavour Hills by 20 plus points.
Box Hill vs Moorabbin
Box Hill got off to a slow start last week and took too long to capitalise on a Harlequins red card early in the match. They return home to the stables without the blazer again but ready to take on a Rams team who have had a perfect start to the season.
Moorabbin put Uni to the sword early then promptly clocked off after thinking the game was won, only to then see Uni score a couple of late tries. The Rams held on to give Simon Brown the desired result for his well-deserved 100thgame. It will be a ding dong battle and both teams will need to take their chances and be staunch on defence if they want the points this week.
Moorabbin to do a Ram raid and win by 8 points
Power House vs Harlequins
Power House will be looking for a full 80 minute showing this week after really only playing for a half against Endeavour last week. This week they will be at their juniors ground at Newport, which will be a big day for the whole club with 11 teams all playing together.
Harlequins were down to 14 early on last week after a red card and did well to secure the bonus point win but will be keen to have their full compliment for the whole match this week so ensure they perform at their expected level.
Quins junior and Rebels academy player Joeli Nuibalavu scored on his run on debut, much to the delight of the big home crowd. Quins will need better discipline so they don’t let the big House pack into the contest and turn it into a battle out west.
Harlequins to spoil the House party at Newport by 20 points.
Uni vs Melbourne
Uni return to Ron Barassi field this week knowing that they let one slip a week ago.
They are showing steady improvement but will need to fast track that if they want to compete against Melbourne in the clubs pride round.
Last years player of the year Lotu Aiuta will need to keep guiding his young team around the park and their scrum could prove a big weapon against Melbourne.
Melbourne are scoring tries at will once it gets out to exciting centre Taliu Tuia and friends and if their pack can gain at least parity against the students the backline could again have a day out.
Melbourne to win in a tight contest by 12.
