Upcountry Lions maul CR

Tuesday, 19 November 2013 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sharks’ game was postponed due to CHOGM commitments and took all of us by surprise. The other club games were worked off as scheduled. The Lions mauled CR at Nawalapitya and the score line indicates that CR was never in with a chance. I am told that it was a case of missed tackles, poor defence and generally disorganised play that cost the red shirts the game. Take nothing away from the Upcountry Lions as they gave a good account of themselves last year as well. In a number of cases last year they lost vital games due to individual error as opposed to team ability. They possess amongst their ranks some quality players and they are not overawed by names and Colombo based clubs.

Kandy too had a super start to the season as they ran riot against a hapless CH side. CH has been on decline in recent years and some definite rethinking is required if they are to make a dent in the local rugby scene. If not, they will be popular whipping boys in local rugby yet again. Navy too had a good outing and torpedoed Air force into submission. With so many new recruits and players crossovers the first few games will in all probability set the tone for the rest of the season. On the international scene, the All Blacks vs. England game was thrilling. England has so far appear to be the only team that is in with a chance of upsetting the All Blacks juggernaut. The All Blacks have at times struggled with the interpretations of the offside rule by referee Craig Joubert. Read and McCaw both were penalised by the referee and Read earned a yellow card for his efforts. McCaw walks the fine line between what is legal and what is not in every game. In the process he gets away with many misdemeanours, if the referees are not sharp. This is in no way to take away the gloss from the quality player that he is, but at times he definitely slows the ball down and runs a subtle obstructive line. In the end the overall efforts of the All Blacks were too good for England. In defence of England it must be said that they took the fight to the All Blacks and the exchanges at breakdown were matched. The first All Blacks try was simply superb and coming within minutes of the start of the game, ensured that England had to play catch up rugby for long periods of time. The All Blacks once again proved that they are able to change their game plan at short notice. Their ability to slip tackles and pass the ball to the omnipresent support was a treat for fans. Their ball handling skills was a treat to watch and coach’s ultimate dream. The crowd of 81,739 was boisterous and vociferous from the start of the game and the All Blacks haka was drowned in the powerful rendition of ‘swing low sweet chariot’. The Wallabies finally won back to back matches courtesy of a win against Ireland. The game did not reach any significant heights although the individual brilliance of Quade Cooper was on display. Genia’s service from the base of the scrum and the rucks was a class act and hopefully they can only get better. Folau was majestic under the high ball and his deep penetrating runs were of good quality. Much was expected of Scotland and they were simply outplayed by a rampaging Boks side. France got the batter of Tonga whilst there were wins for Wales and Italy. (The author can be reached via [email protected])

Upcountry Lions maul CR

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