Rhodes University’s 1st rugby side was expected to have a difficult time against Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) at the Eastern Cape Intervarsity Tournament, in Alice on 13 August. Despite a half-time score of 6-3 to NMMU, the game ended 31-3 to the half-time leaders.
Rhodes University’s 1st rugby side was expected to have a difficult time against Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) at the Eastern Cape Intervarsity Tournament, in Alice on 13 August. Despite a half-time score of 6-3 to NMMU, the game ended 31-3 to the half-time leaders.
It was a resounding loss for Rhodes in light of their match next year that will determine their promotion to, or relegation from Varsity Shield.
Rhodes was never dominant in the match, but they held their nerve in the first half, conceding only 6 points. When NMMU repeatedly bashed into them around the fringes and gained the opposition’s advantage line, the cover defence did well to clean up the attack.
They were able to avert the danger posed by the NMMU pack by playing a territorial game, pinning Madibaz back. The team from PE was up to the challenge, however, and employed a good kicking game of their own when needed to.
The continuous pressure exerted by NMMU began to break the Rhodes defence line, which started slipping more tackles. Malrin Ruiters, NMMU scrumhalf, exposed the weak defence line, beating two defenders and eventually setting up his team for an easy three points.
What made matters more difficult for Rhodes throughout the match is that they were unable hold their scrum possession. Without the ball, Rhodes was powerless and the opposition played more of the ball. NMMU converted another penalty, stretching their lead to six points.
Thirty minutes into the game, Rhodes pulled back three when they bravely scored a penalty 40 metres out, through the boot of James Hitchcock. The half-time whistle sounded with Rhodes testing the NMMU defence – but they were unable to do enough to score.
Second half
The problems for Rhodes worsened in the second half. Their players lost ball carry in tackles which resulted in the referee penalising them in the breakdown.
With Rhodes looking like a groggy boxer not wanting to throw in the towel, NMMU jabbed at them, scoring points and telling blows with ease. They stretched the Rhodes defence, spreading the ball to the wings.
The first points in the second half came from the Rhodes scrum spilling the ball close to the try line – and Ruiters pounced on it.
Wing Sinako Mafu scored the second try in the corner, with the NMMU backline easily running through the opposition.
The third try, by Charl van Laggenberg, summed up the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams and the game as he slipped through three tackles.
