Perth Spirit defeated the Western Sydney Rams 21-13 in round one of the new Australian Rugby Championship at Members Equity Stadium late on Friday night.

The homeside dominated from the start of the match but could not turn possession into points until man-of the match Cameron Shepherd broke the deadlock in the 21st minute.

An injury to David Pocock and a penalty goal kicked by Rams winger Ben Martin wasn't enough to halt Spirit's momentum.

Half time saw referee James Leckie replaced due to injury, with Andrew Lindsay taking his place in interpreting the new ELVs.

Rams backs Kurtley Beale and Lachlan Turner looked dangerous in the second half, while Shepherd and James Hilgendorf marshalled the home teams backline with authority.

The sides exchanged penalty goals before Rams centre Chris Siale barged over from five metres out to complete the scoring with 76 minutes gone.

Also highlighting the match was a cameo performance from replacement scrumhalf James Stannard, who came on for injured Spirit skipper Matt Henjak.

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