REIGNING CHAMPS HIGHLANDERS found themselves battling an early 14-point deficit in this morning’s Super Rugby meeting with the Western Force in Dunedin.
The early concession was the Otago host’s own doing. Patrick Osborne attempted to offload out of contact on his own goal-line and fired the ball at the shins of Ben Smith, but even the brilliant All Black wasn’t able to gather and Dane Haylett-Petty collected an easy score.
Osborne more than made up for his error though. He crossed for a 17th minute score to halve the gap, finished the game off with an assist for Jason Emery, but perhaps most importantly, he sparked a terrific counter-attack try with a break from deep and a textbook offload to wing Matt Faddes. Dan Pryor completed the sweeping 27th minute move thanks to Aaron Smith.
The scrum-half was instrumental in swinging the game the Highlanders’ way after the break, dummying, breaking and grubbering ahead before Faddes touched down.
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Might have missed it but did the IRFU ever clarify why Ireland is the only top tier nation, possibly one of the only rugby nations, that never invested in 7s? Is there actually a good reason? The 7s circuit is huge, a 7s event in Dublin would be class, it always attracts a crowd.
They did, they said that costs were too high and were better spent on the 15s game. It was David Nucifora that convinced them that it would be an effective pathway for developing players that may otherwise slip through. I’ve seen it suggested that they would have to be seen to be running a 7s program to help with the RWC2023 bid. Not sure about that one though.
There are 7s events in Ireland. Dublin 7s was about a month ago in Donnybrook. Then obviously there’s Kinsale 7s which has a big draw.
Think he meant a world series event
Spain got the last spot in the last second of the final against Samoa . They had beaten Ireland in the quarters . Ireland did well to get so far considering they have only one full season under their belts.
Definitely. Qualification for 2020 was always the goal so to get so close for 2016 is great encouragement.
Sean, what’s the story with Olympic qualification? Has that ship sailed or are we still in with a chance?
Spain got the last spot