Monday's Musings

GOLD COAST SEVENS.

The results of Canada’s matches on Day #1 provided very interesting statistical analysis but unfortunately, for the boys, all meaningless, as no wins occurred and relegation to the “lesser” echelons resulted from what was a good day of work and “ever so close” but we know the saying about horseshoes and hand grenades! This fan only saw the U.S. match which should have been a W but as proven later, there is nothing that matches shear pace, as U.S. Carlin Isles, got away after some “missed” off-side play in “no time”. The cover caught him and after the breakdown, the ball got to veteran, Test who should have been stopped but side-stepped the defence for his hat trick and 17 – 15 U.S. win. No converts in this one for the Maple Leafs also hurt. The remaining games in Pool play against leaders, went Argentina 12 – 14 and England 12 – 19, Argie d. U.S. 26 – 12!

On Day #2, results were again frustrating for Canada, losing 19 – 21 to France (goal kicking again a factor). The BIG upset occurred with England rolling the Kiwis, 31 – 7 in the Cup Q/F. This score line shows just how close it all is with this Sevens Comp, as both U.S. and Canada had come within seven points of the English on day #1! Canada finally unleashed their potential, wailing on American Samoa, 50 – 0, a score greater than that which South Africa put on AMS. American Samoa held Scotland to 12 – 24. Canada was then up against old foes, Kenya, in the Shield Final. It all looked good on the “scores form”, with Kenya closely nipping Japan 17 – 15, a side that the U.S. had convincingly defeated at 26 -5. Never-the-less, the game, as proven to date in this competition was up for grabs.

Finals day produced a classic battle between Fiji and a much improved group from last year, Samoa. Fiji won the Cup, 31 – 24. England continued their good form, defeating South Africa 19 – 0 for third spot, making Canada’s efforts in Pool play, pretty good value. N.Z. finished fifth and the U.S. won the Bowl, hammering France, 31 – 15 for eight competition points. Canada won the shield, laying a heavy defeat on Kenya, 40 – 7 and boosting Harry Jones 53 points to second top scorer in the Tournament. This good effort only earned three competition points. Given a very different look to the group, there are many positives to be gleaned from the matches. This pundit gives a “well done” overall but there has to be a way found to win the close ones as the path to Rio commences.

Canada’s Women Sevens was also in action in Oz, playing a three game series over the course of the Men’s event. Game #1 was a “W” for the Maple Leaf, 17 – 12. Game #2 was one by the hosts with an identical score. Bragging rights were up for grabs in the decider and so it came to pass, the Aussies were victorious, 17 – 15. Great stuff, ladies.

ARCs.  On the “local” front, the rugby at Westhills turned out to be nowhere near as intriguing. In the opener, it took the Jaguars three quarters of the match to get their legs, then superior skills and team work took them to a 41 – 14 win over the U.S. Given the play that was witnessed in game #2, it is almost a foregone conclusion that the “Argies” will take their fifth America’s Championship and third in our city.

To the Canada game…the crowd awaited with anticipation, knowing the Uruguayan squad was definitely their “tier two” and Canada could stretch their legs. Los Teros, the “number ones” had been hard at work in Montevideo, defeating Russia to earn their place in RWC 2015. Congratulations to Uruguay. Back to Victoria. Tragically, the game never amounted to any great heights, in fact better action is often seen at the CDI Premiership level. Uruguay finished with 13 men, thanks to rather poorly interpreted “dangerous” tackle and subsequent red along with an “earned” yellow from the Scottish referee who failed to get a number of occurrences “right” in this observer’s books. The final score was 20 – 6 for the hosts after a late converted try for a little “breathing room”.

There must be huge concerns with regard to skill breakdown in a relatively “easy” contest. Hats off to Uruguay for bringing their best effort, frustrating Canada and tackling everything in sight, even if their play at the breakdown was off side or marginally within/out the laws in some other areas. For Canada, there was no link between #9/10 although McRorie finally provided some skill and decision-making late in the game when he moved to #9. Positive points to Barkwill for his work rate and mongrel for the full eighty. (Ruggernut’s MoM). Skipper, Gilmour, adjudged MoM, made valuable yards and along with Olmstead and Pearson got through plenty of work. The FRF looked solid enough until replacements came along. Baillie pinched a couple of lineouts but the locks were not obvious. Yak Dala got twenty minutes in and was a difference-maker, looking pretty fit in so doing. Can’t say I saw anything in the backs. Blevins had a burst or two and McRorie at #9 was a bright spark.

We will see if the penny drops when the U.S. ups the ante on Wednesday.