Try Again

AFRU’s mixed fortunes

Volume 48, No. 10, June 15, 2006

ENGAGING: Air Force and Army pack down into the scrum during their encounter.

Photo by Doc Doherty

THE new-look Air Force Rugby Union (AFRU) team experienced mixed fortunes in playing well but losing both its Australian Services’ Rugby Championship matches in Canberra on May 28 and 30.

The team that lost its opener to Navy 15-32 at Vikings Park Erindale was very different to that so easily outclassed at last year’s titles.

It then battled valiantly and showed spirit in trying to replicate the effort and contain the powerful Army unit in game two at Erindale.

It largely held its own for a good deal of the first half to trail 6-29 at the break before losing 11-60.

For the first time in years, Air Force’s scrum outclassed their more-fancied Navy opponents with superior technique and drive, forcing several scrum penalties and a tighthead feed.

Lapses in concentration, particularly out wide in broken play, leaked two tries in the first 20 minutes for a 22-0 lead to Navy.

Vikings’ fullback CPL James Hood handled twice in phase-play for Air Force to score a powerful solo try in the corner for a 5-22 deficit.

Air Force controlled the next 30 minutes, with the forwards continually crossing the advantage line, the scrum dominating and flanker LAC Ryan Baden securing consistent quality ball at the lineout.

Fly-half LAC Bryan Hudson’s penalty closed the gap and Air Force converted pressure into points when veteran prop FSGT Jason Ryan’s try was converted to bring the score back to 22-15.

Air Force then tired noticeably as Navy kept the ball in close, making good ground upfield before swinging it wide to both flanks to probe for holes. Air Force’s desperate, scrambling defence held until the 60-minute mark despite being caught short out wide.

The much-maligned scrum of the past dominated, with front-rowers FSGT Ryan, CPL Scott McKenzie and hooker LAC Richard Falkenmire inspirational in the vanguard.

Blind-side flanker LAC Baden was in sparkling form and was the standout Air Force player.

Air Force’s consistency in the set-pieces allowed for exciting backline play, though in broken play there was not quite the same vision and a great deal of dropped ball.

Air Force’s best included CPL Hood, winger/fullback FLGOFF Darwin Natano, winger PLTOFF Brayden Pirlo and replacement back LAC Paul Hampson.

Against Army, Air Force showed early endeavour, but the ball rarely proceeded past the inside backs, though OFFCDT Ryan Kouvelis and LAC Paul Hampson made incisive runs.

Dropped ball, wayward passes and a strong display by the Army pack at the breakdowns secured possession and gave a slick Army backline ample chances to show its style. This produced five first-half tries, four of them to classy winger CFN Neil Campbell.

Air Force had led 6-5 after 21 minutes thanks to two penalty goals from LAC Ryan Espie and began the second half with renewed endeavour, rewarded by a try to LAC Falkenmire, who burrowed over out wide off an Espie pass after about 55 minutes.

Air Force was best served by LAC Espie, LAC Hampson, OFFCDT Kouvelis, LAC Baden, FSGT Ryan and CPL McKenzie.

Air Force head coach, SGT Adam Campaign, was basically happy with the way his young team performed against Navy.

“We are probably still five percent from where we need to be to win these games,” he said. “With 15 minutes to go and down by a converted try, the game was there to be won. Next time we need to make sure that we finish with more authority.

“Now, rather than trying to make up huge ground on Navy and Army, it is down to much smaller percentages.”

While disappointed with the result against Army, SGT Campaign felt Air Force had much to build on. The late withdrawals of the injured Hood and Pirlo had proved disruptive and the lack of depth in the backs had hurt Air Force.

“Fitness was a telling point; they were a much fitter side,” SGT Campaign said.

“After a strong first 26 minutes our fitness dropped away, we were off our game plan a little and let that
aggression get away from us.

“We let them dictate the pace of play, not taking our time and space.”

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