Havies start their 2013 campaign

Friday, 22 November 2013 06:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The much-hyped game between the Sharks and the Havies ended in a stalemate on Monday. With both teams on the field and raring to go, the floodlights decided that they would switch off and plunge everything into darkness. There was a degree of uncertainty and both teams stayed around the grounds as did the spectators for about 45 minutes. The lights finally came on but it was too late as the Sharks has cooled own and were ready to leave. The match is to be replayed at a future date as per the tournament rules. The fact that the grounds did not have a backup generator is regrettable as most spectators would feel short-changed in terms of a good game.

After their rampaging win last week Kandy will be in Colombo to take on CR. Much was expected of CR this season and it will be quite a task for them to lift up their game and morale after last week’s loss. Kandy will want to set the record straight and prove that the loss of the league title last year was a minor aberration in their proud rugby history. The UCL will take on Army this week. After their emphatic win last week the UCL are on a high and will want to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. Army last year played some good rugby although their consistency was questionable. Last week they stole a win form Police in the last minute and that would have done wonders to boost their morale. Navy had a good outing last week and will look to repeat the same performance against Police this week. Navy has been bolstered by the recruitment of some new players and definitely a force to be reckoned with this season for league honours. The Havies will take on CH at Maitland Crescent and going by the performance of CH in recent times, the Havies would be looking at maximising their points tally in this game. The Havies will be playing their first game and it will be interesting to see how they live up to their reputation as league champs of last year. The Sharks will play host to the Air Force in the port city of Hambantota and whilst the Sharks have some quality names in their ranks it will be fascinating to see how they jell as a team. In the sevens circuit they gave a good account of themselves and if that is a benchmark then they should do well this season in the longer version of the game. International rugby The Boks take on France this weekend in what is envisaged as a bruising battle. France gave a good account of themselves when they met the All Blacks although they faltered towards the end. The French style of play is unpredictable and depending on which team turns up, we can expect a good game or a lacklustre performance. The Springboks have handed Coenie Oosthuizen his first start. South Africa outclassed Scotland last week despite making a host of changes to their side. Boks coach Heyneke Meyer has now recalled the likes of Tendai Mtawarira, Morne Steyn, Bismarck du Plessis and Eben Etzebeth for the game against France. The Wallabies have once again been hit by an excessive alcohol consumption issue and have sidelined six players for the game against the Welsh. In the recent past they have been hit by similar scandals even in cricket and the sports authorities must be a worried lot at this alarming trend. (The writer can be reached via [email protected].)

Havies start their 2013 campaign

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