Seems that a few of us were at Foreshore Rugby Park yesterday, but we have heard very little on the other games.
Uni Vs Southern Districts
I missed most of the first half, didn't give myself near enough time for the drive to the end of the earth. But I must say it really is a great club facility they have at the end of the earth, the ground surface is great condition.
The SD boys looked to have a clear size advantage in the forwards (#3 Valeni -in particular) , and the game was very physical.
I am told the first 1/4 of the match was very tight, and was a good while before Uni got the ascendancy.
I would agree the score not an accurate reflection of the difference in the 2 teams. SD had some nice continuity at times and some good attacking raids.
The difference IMO was the defensive structures that Uni plays. Uni play a territory game and when they get deep into opposition territory are better at converting and come away with with some fruit. Wheras Uni defenses were better when SD got into their zone. Uni also very good in broken play and and capitalizing on turnover ball, this is where the opportunities came and plenty of breaks were made out wide.
UNI set piece again a very strong foundation. Uni lineout working well (Horton, so good with his throw) Although I did see 1 tight head go to the big SD pack.
The Players: there were plenty for Uni worthy of a mention, they are playing very well as a team. I thought 1 Spencer and 2 Horton were standouts. In the backs 10 Poletto just controls things so well and 13 Armstrong is class act and a very good defender.
For SD, 8 Lawson for the 10 or 15 mins I saw him was outstanding. He scored a good try early in the second half to put SD back in the game but must have injured himself in the process, and played no further part, and I thought the big 13 (in the program as Morris but not certain its him) he plays a very strong running game and runs straight and hard.
Scoring: Uni Trys to 1 Spencer, 2 Horton , 12 Porter & 22 unknown And 2 X Penalty trys - Pls 1 more - At least 5 conversions by 10 Poletto
SD: I am told 3 Valeni and 8 Lawson - converted by 11 Naleba, i thinks,
I didnt see the first penalty try, but the second was fair enough. Uni were on the line and had the numbers out wide. The ball was passed and I think 11 for SD batted the ball out. Ref said it wasn't an attempt to intercept and it would have been a certain try, I thought the yellow card that followed was probably a bit severe but that might be in the rules and the ref has no option.
