Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Tuesday, 25 June 2013 09:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The playing surface and the conditions were great and conducive for good running rugby, in addition to the large and vociferous crowd cheering on their teams. For Royal, the fact that they lost two important trophy games steeped in rich history and tradition in a matter of two weeks must be difficult to swallow. This, coupled with the acrimonious incidents in the second leg of the Bradby and the Pathana game, would in all probability be a season that they would rather put behind them.
For the Thomians, they did prove a point that they belong to the top league and we will see their promotion next year. Their skipper was a source of inspiration to the entire team and the Thomians now need to build on this success. He definitely leads from the front and must be all standards possess the best kicking boot in school circuit.
The day before the much anticipated Wesley/Peterite game was played at the RC Complex, a neutral ground so as to afford the referees much needed security. The game was played at a frantic pace and whilst the score line will indicate that the Petes were through in the last minute by a proverbial coat of varnish, Wesley dominated long periods of play.
The Petes were guilty of poor handling skills and thoughtless kicking. For two consecutive seasons the Petes have looked ordinary, despite possessing some classy players who could have been moulded into a better unit. Maybe the effectiveness of the coaching staff needs to be revisited.
The referee was pretty harsh on the Petes for offside play and infringements in the Ruck, whilst being relatively lenient with Wesley. There is obviously a need to upgrade some of the refereeing skills that was on display and a sponsor to take on this much needed task is an urgent requirement.
For two consecutive games, the referee awarded a penalty try and this indicates a lack of discipline by the two teams when defending their own goal line. This needs to be nipped in the bud as you cannot gift seven points in any level of rugby.
The British and Irish Lions won the first test and were lucky due to some indifferent kicking form by the Wallabies. The Lions wingers were a treat to watch and George North in particular is able to accelerate at very short notice. The intensity of the game was such that three Wallabies were stretchered off the field and the chances of them returning, for the next test is in doubt.
The Lions must be at the moment thinking of inducting Beale into the Lions hall of fame after his two late fluffed penalty attempts cost the Wallabies the match. Without doubt, Australia produced the most stunning move of the game with Will Genia in the thick of things.
The Wallabies were on the back foot inside their own 22 having been pummelled by repeated phase of brutal play by the Lions but their brave and stout defence earned them a penalty. Instead of taking stock and even opting for a breather, the mercurial Genia opted to tap and go with his rapid but short steps. As the Lions prepared to pounce on him his deft dab for winger Israel Folau to race on to and collect and complete a mind boggling try was a gem.
Handling James O’Connor, the number 10 jersey was fraught with risk and thereafter having been entrusted with the kicking duties due the first minute injury to Christian Lealiifano was simply too much for him to handle. It is widely expected that he will not retain his place; but then who will fill in his boots will be a tough choice given the spate of inquires.
In all probability we will see a completely new three quarter line up except for the man to had a dream debut Israel Folau who planted two tries and was involved a do or die try saving tackle.
(The writer can be reached via [email protected].)
