Canadians dominated

THE ADF’s representative rugby union team has overcome a tough Canadian national under-23 side 22-15 in the first match of the ASRU North American Tour.

The game between ASRU and the Young Canada team had been tipped to go either way, with a number of the Canadian players set to tour England, Italy and France with the Canadian representative squad in November.

ASRU dominated the first half of the match. The Australians created several scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes only to be denied points by an extremely physical and tough Canadian defence.

First match points to ASRU were from a penalty goal to the captain, Corporal Paul Yates. Young Canada replied at the 25-minute mark with their own penalty goal, bringing the scores to 3-3.

ASRU maintained the attacking pressure and scored a try to vice-captain Captain Peter Conroy. CPL Yates converted the try and then kicked another penalty goal to give ASRU a 13-3 lead at half-time.

Strong words from their coach during the break sent the Young Canada players back on to the field full of vim and vigour in the second stanza.

The Canadians put extreme pressure on the Australian defence with a change to their game plan and their ability to retain possession.

ASRU worked hard to keep a strong defensive line and some poor options by the Canadians in fourth and fifth phase let ASRU get to scoring position on another three occasions. Sergeant Matt Fraser was Man of the match for ASRU and Players’ Player.

 

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