Best Queensland Rugby talent to be showcased in annual City v Country encounter

Queensland Rugby’s annual City v Country grudge match will carry even more significance in 2012 with the encounter to be played as the curtain raiser to the St.George Queensland Reds and Waratahs FxPro Super Rugby clash at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night (kickoff 5:15pm).

The match pits Queensland’s best Country talent against its City counterparts while providing a further representative pathway for players to experience a higher level of Rugby.

The City v Country concept has a long and historic tradition and in 2011 it was Country who reigned supreme as they demonstrated their improving stature in State rugby circles by defeating their much vaunted City opponents in a hard fought 27-26 affair.

Country will be aiming to replicate that result on Saturday night after naming a strong 23-man squad that is dominated by Rugby Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Rugby Union talent, along with representatives from Central and Northern Queensland.

Central Queensland backrower Jono Bradbury will captain the side while Tom Rosewarne continues as Queensland Country coach.

“It was a bit of an ambush last year and I don’t think the City boys thought we had a chance,” Rosewarne said. 

“That will give us a lot of confidence heading into this game but we are under no illusions to the challenge and strength of City.  They’ve chosen an extremely talented line-up and we’ll need to be on our ‘A’ game if we want to win.”

City has chosen the best talent on offer from the Queensland Premier Rugby competition with 2011 finalists Sunnybank and Brothers having the highest representation with five players each.

Ensure you get to Suncorp Stadium early from 5:15pm to see the next generation of Rugby talent before enjoying the St.George Queensland Reds and Waratahs battle from 7:30pm. 

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketek - http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=REDS2112.

2012 City v Country Teams – Saturday 14 July 5:15pm at Suncorp Stadium.