14a vs Stellenberg

Stellenberg posed a big challenge to the boys on Saturday and for the much of this game the result was in the balance until a wicked bounce resulted in a try to our visitors. On the balance of play it was probably only fair that Stellenberg emerged victorious.

We started extremely well and scored an excellent try through Storm Balchin after applying pressure to Stellenberg’s line for an extended period. The try was not converted and we led 5 – 0 early on. We were unable to build on this try and did not manage our territory very well for the remainder of the first half. Stellenberg used good tactics in keeping the ball in hand while playing into an extremely strong wind and it bore them fruit just prior to half time when they scored a try to level the game.

While we knew playing into the wind in the second half was going be a real test of our character we didn’t do ourselves any favours by constantly kicking the ball away when the message at half time was all about retaining possession. Our forward pack was also guilty of not committing enough numbers to the break down and often promising breaks were not recycled well and we were turned over and forced to start playing inside our own half all over again.

Stellenberg scored two more tries and landed a penalty to stretch their lead to 15 points. It was a lead they never relinquished and ultimately won the game 20 – 5. After two well earned victories, this result was rather disappointing, but the boys will no doubt pick themselves up and hard work will be required at training this week. A strong Paul Roos side await on Saturday.

Ross Southgate (coach)