MONDAY'S MUSINGS

(Credit - Rugby Canada)

OLD SCHOOL RUGBY

Back in the day, if an ‘engine-room’ player was injured there was not the replacement luxury and that player was often moved to the wing!  So, it came to pass with CW and Canada’s, Caroline Crossley, against the Springboks this past weekend.  It was from the wing position, after her earlier second row position, when she was “gifted” a pass from a South African player and she called on all her Sevens skills to scoop it up and outpace the defense, rounding out the scoring for her first XV’s test try.  Caroline had suffered some leg issues in the late going and in fact had been off the field but due to a plethora of injuries, she found herself back on the pitch. Her try was one of the eight scored on the day for a thirty-point victory.  This differential sounds convincing, but it was far from peaches and cream, being almost flattering to the Maple Leaf after South Africa came back with willing runners from an error fraught first half, to truly test Canada. 

Coach, Rouet could not have been too happy about the way the set scrum performed, and the lineout play often was far from its normal proficiency.  The play at the breakdown and the rush defense to stop threats, was worth applause. Florence Symonds and Alysha Corrigan scored a brace to demonstrate just what this side is capable of with its speed and handling skill. Other ladies who have worn the Tricolor jersey were Julia Schell, Olivia Apps and Gaby Senft, Apps, having a strong game at #9 thence, also being moved to the wing.  The injury situation should not be detrimental to the selection for next Saturday’s return match, with both teams gleaning much from this outing. Finally, kudos to TSN for the telecast.

TALENT NET CAST WIDE

This past week some eighty-seven U18 men participated in a Development Camp held at Guelph University.  CW was represented by two lads, Gabe Regosa and Thomas Gould.  ‘onyas, boys and good luck. (Credit BC Rugby News.)

                                      VIRU CRIMSON TIDE defeats VANCOUVER WAVE

On Saturday a contest featuring these two teams took place at Shawnigan School as an adjunct to Age Grade PRC Championships. An extensive match report and video footage has been posted by BCRugby News and can be found HERE (with thanks.)  CW’s Antonio Corbin opened the scoring, and Grady Bowd was evidently very prominent throughout, as the Tide posted a convincing 53 – 17 victory.  Maybe this is a forerunner of matches to come, when back in the day, such contests were steppingstones for greater honors?


FROM THE LIONS DEN

The British and Irish Lions have cast all aside so far in their Australian campaign.  The opening two matches saw the Lions post 50+ against the Western Force and Queensland Reds.  Their weekend match against the NSW Waratahs was a far more competitive event, with the Lions nudging the Tahs three tries to two with the hosts having a further tally being disallowed. The Waratahs caused havoc with a committed rush defense, sure tackling, and their speed and work at the breakdown almost made up for an incredible deficit in ability at the set piece. Later in the weekend, the Wallabies squeezed out a last-minute victory over Fiji. The Lions’ next opponent will be the Super Rugby semi-finalists, ACT Brumbies.


RUGBY PREMIER LEAGUE INDIA

Liam Poulton continues to have success with his Bengaluru Bravehearts.  The Bengies are in third position on the league table and second position with total tries scored.  Liam has played twelve games and scored five tries.  Go, you good thing!


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