Today we trained in blustery conditions in UCT. Despite the weather, this was arguably the best training session over the last 2 weeks. Bobby's idea of doing a team run a few hours before games was an excellent idea. It ensured that the calls and patterns were fresh in our minds for the entire game.
 
A late kick off (20h) meant that we had a few hours to burn. Some of the lads went down to the Waterfront for some sushi and a coffee. Others chilled out in the hotel and played cards in 'Casino Carter's' room (Wes Carter).
 
After a team meal and meeting we were on the bus to False Bay at 18h.

The game started in a hectic manner as expected. We employed a structured and organised game plan that proved effective. After a Dan Carter-esk hand off from Cummo (Andy Cummiskey), a spin move from Polly (Andy Pollard) and some superb linking play from Bender (Richie Bent) right winger Cailbhe Doherty ended up dotting the ball down in the right corner. Simon 'Banter' Gillespie knocked over the conversion to make it 7-0. False Bay made use of a strong tail wind as they fired long kicks down into our territory. Eventually the pressure told when their speedy skipper scored under the sticks. In the intervening period Simo had knocked over a peno. At half time the scoreline read 10-7 in favour of Collidge.

The half time message was simple- use the wind. play territory and capitalise. This is exactly what we did. After a period of prolonged pressure False Bay kicked loosely which set Cummo up for a drop goal which he duly took. Some people even equated him to Francois Steyn! With the scoreline at 13-7 it looked as if we were in total control. A lull in the game meant that we switched off mentally and False Bay scored a try and a penalty to make it 15-13. With 10 minutes to play we forced a penalty on the halfway line. Simo stepped up but his kick fell agonisingly short. Some adventurous play forced another penalty. This time it was 25 metres out and a little to the left. Simo split the uprights with a kick that never looked like missing. 1 point ahead with 2 minutes left on the clock, Wes gathered the restart well.  Thornty (James Thornton) put up a garryowen down the left touchline and we got pinged for offside. Their captain opted for the posts. It was outside the 22, roughly 15 metres in from the left touchline. He pulled it to the left of the uprights and the game finished 16-15 in our favour. This was a huge relief as a win on tour is not easy. The most encouraging thing to take from this game was the number of new caps/2nd caps. Eoin Daly, Neill Foley, Andy Pollard, John Conroy, Kieran Moloney, Keelan McKenna and Shane O'Meara all made a huge contribution. One thing we can guarantee is fierce competition for places this season.


After the game we joined the False Bay lads for an old sing song and a few pints. The celebrations continued long into the night. It capped off the tour nicely. I think that in the long run we'll benefit from the 2 weeks together. The squad appears to be galvanised by this experience. Some great characters and players have emerged from the tour and this will set us up nicely for our Centenary season.


A special word of thanks must go to Billy Murphy whose efforts to organise the tour have been immense. A big thank you must go to Bobby, DC, Derry, Gerro, Erica, Vinny, Kev, John and Dáibhí whose efforts and commitment throughout the tour have incredible. Finally all I have to say to the lads is: 'For the boys!'
 

Read the full Tour Blog HERE





 

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