Knox 49 (7 converted tries) comfortable winner over Trinity 5.
The score was a little unflattering for Trinity, as Knox scored a couple where there appeared to be knock ons and Trinity had one disallowed late in the first half for a foot on the line, which looked to have happened after the player passed inside, but Knox looked a 30 point better team.
The Knox brand of rugby is pretty simple. It relies on discipline and structure. Minimise handling errors. Kick for territory. Wait for an error from the opposition and then counter-attack. Easy enough to say, but it takes discipline and skill to execute and they have that in spades. Very few missed tackles, not too many handling errors, a strong kick/chase and good structure in defence.
I've seen all the CAS sides except Cranbrook play now. Knox is more disciplined than all of them by a wide margin.
Milan Basson (8) was fantastic, including scoring a long range try. Hugh Margin (6) was tireless in defence, Leo Bosch (9) was flawless, kicking 7/7 including a few from wide out and passing superbly. Tom Woodcock (10) was rock solid, kicking well and very good defensively.
For Trinity, in a team that was well beaten, James Wayland (1) had another great game, Sipu Tuitavake (8) was strong and Ryan Longville (15) created several opportunities and routinely beat the first and second lines of defence on kick returns. Liam Rasch (6) was again solid in the set pieces and challenged the line at times, but I think Margin outpointed him.
An interesting game, as the lineout, scrums, ruck and maul were fairly evenly balanced, but Knox's structure, discipline and superior ball handling were evident. They may not exhibit a great deal of flair, but I suspect that's largely because it has been subordinated by showing the discipline to stick to the game plan.
All of Waverley, Trinity and Aloys have some fine players, but those schools also have some weaker players, and will make handling errors that give the opportunity to counter. Knox's game plan revolves around exploiting that. Kick for territory, wait for the error and then counter attack. It's simple and effective.
Knox is not unbeatable. Trinity stole some of their lineout, some of Knox's throws were crooked and Trinity may have had a slight edge in the scrum. And last week Waverley put Knox under pressure and only fell short at the end. However, from what I've seen so far Knox makes far fewer handling mistakes in general play than any of the other CAS teams, and if they are to challenge Knox in the second round of outings they will need to eliminate the errors.
