Rugby at its finest!
Rugby at its finest!
By Andrew Collins
October 22 2006
Well not quite, but anyone in Blue today would’ve been on the edge of their seats!
Bourgoin had their intentions set out from the start, showing their strengths in the set pieces, particularly line-out and mauls. This was a theme ever-present in their attack, while their backs showed little to worry.
The Blues were under the cosh in the first 20, losing line-outs, knocking on and generally struggling to find a footing in the game. But as they calmed down, they began to find holes in the French defence, creating a series of genuine chances, all lacking that final catch.
Firstly, Nick Robinson darted through a gap following a loose line-out. He went one-on-one with full back Denos and looked to offload in what would’ve been a certain 7 points. But in a clever defensive move, the Bourgoin winger managed to get himself between Robinson and Stcherbina to intercept the pass.
Next, Mosese Luviatasau fumbled an easy pass which would’ve been a simple score, and finally Chris Czekaj juggled his way over the line, but was adjudged to have knocked on, a claim which carried little weight given he caught the ball before touching down for what would’ve been a massive try before half time.
However,
Overall there was very little positive about the display, other than the fact they had conceded no points, and had at least come close to scoring themselves. The Blues were the better side, and looked it for the majority of play, but they didn’t have the lead to back up the claims, and as a fan, there was no comfort in a 6 point gap.
Half Time
Bourgoin 0
The away side reacted predictably well though after the break, coming out strongly, playing the ball up their jumpers.
But
Ben Blair became more involved in the game too, a nice break from the nippy Kiwi nearly led to the games first try.
But in fact it came in the form of
With the Blues pinned back on their 22 metre line, the ball popped out of the ruck on the blindside, a matter of metres from touch. Martyn Williams hacked the ball forward into the French 22.
Marc Strcherbina was first there, but he scuffed the ground in an effort to kick on, however he was straight back up and popped a stunning pass back to Williams, who finished the move for a decisive score.
Blair converted, but was forced off not long after, following a series of nasty knocks and bumps.
That put the visitors 13 points up, with around 12 minutes plus whatever injury time there may be to play.
The game then became about clever play, and holding onto a lead – something that the Blues have traditionally been unable to do in their short history. But it was a sign of how the players have grown together, that they played the right game and didn’t lose their cool.
Bourgoin did manage a try in the left hand corner with 4 minutes remaining, but that came after 5 long minutes of camping on the Blues try line. The revelation that is Mark Lewis could be seen apologising to Martyn Williams for the try, when not was he not to at fault, but it was his hard work moments before, and indeed throughout the game that had kept
His attitude and presence didn’t go unnoticed, with Sky TV analysis picking up on his excellent display. The scrum came under the cosh for much of the match, his ability to pick up and carry the ball away from danger, and secure safe ball was invaluable all day long.
And so
Final Score
Bourgoin 5
In truth, the performance was average, and if they cannot up their game for the visit of
theArmsPark.co.uk’s man of the Match – Martyn Williams
As far as individual performances, Mark Lewis, Deiniol Jones and Rhys Thomas all impressed against a bulky and brutal bunch of Bourgoin forwards. But as ever, Martyn Williams was absolutely outstanding, both around the field, and particularly at the breakdown. He was everywhere in support, and was key in stopping the driving mauls that dominated the French side’s play. He could really be the difference maker in this group, and there can be no dought that he is the best No.7 in world rugby at the moment.