YES, YOU CAN!

CW’s Silver medalist, Caroline Crossley shared her medal recently with up-and-coming girl ruggers.  Caroline put the kids through some drills and explained her roots with the game and talked about setting goals.  ‘onya, Cross!

The Ruggernut showed up, but Canada did not (at least in the first half!)  Last week it was #14 vs #21 (WR rankings), and a ten-game losing streak in this competition, going back to 2013.  Yonks ago, it was sheer size that was the difference-maker and that is no longer the case.  Full credit to Japan during these transitioning years, in the ways they found to be competitive before adding non-native born players.  In their favor last week, names like Riley and McCurran are not exactly Japanese household names, nor were their other five non-Japanese born starters.  All this being said, it brings back memories to 1976 when the VIRU Tide defeated All Japan, 33 – 18!

 
For this pundit, it was difficult to read and hear about not being alert to a fast start and being caught off-guard.  It is just not good enough in times when game film galore is readily available.  Japan is renowned for a fast start, pace and counterattack.  These factors combined with poor tackling, saw a 38 – 7 halftime score and basically, the game was over.  I found it astonishing that from six re-starts, Canada contested one!  Finally, with limited possession far too much ball was kicked to counter-attacking strengths.

 
Although the second stanza was more favorable for Canada, 21 – 17, it was not the same Japanese team.  I will not outline the sequences of play, suffice to say, Canada scored three tallies, one, a ‘cracker’ from Talon McMullen on an unstoppable line, earning a bonus point for the 26 – 55 scoreline.  In summary, Japan was good value, aided by slow and disjointed defensive line play from their opposition, enabling them to be constantly on the front foot.  For Canada, the set piece held its own and most of their lineout possession was relatively tidy, setting a base for some useful drives.  Generally, ball transfer was ponderous compared to that of the Japanese.  Despite the too oft heard ”rebuilding phase” there was sufficient experience for a closer differential.  It was not Scotland, but this was a very different performance than the Romania game.  In particular, Peter Nelson’s performance at the critical #10 spot, went from the penthouse to the basement.

 
Individual kudos go to my M-o-M, #9, Jason Higgins.  Captain, Rumball always leads and never gives an inch.  Winger, Andrew Coe put in a good shift, always looking for work, making some useful breaks and offering good speed.  There was much to be said about Talon McMullen’s performance, and it was a pity he did not see more ball.  Custodian, Cooper Coates also gave a good effort.  In the forwards, I thought Quattrin, Martinez, Mason Flesch and on debut, Ethan Fryer, all to be worthy of mention.  Players off the bench had good minutes.  Canada plays USA in Round #2 today.  (I believe this will be re-televised tomorrow on TSN).  Coach Jones has gone with the same starters today, so we will be able to see very clearly just what may have been taken away from last week.

(Comments are purely the opinion of the blogger and are not a reflection in any way on CWRFC. Oh yes, a belated postscript for RC's benefit - no programs!!)


                                                           Gotta get CW in the picture!




CW Mini's youngster, Koru (in the news again!), pictured with NSMT players, Matt Oworu and Mark Balaki