Present: Wez and myself.
Pre-game expectations: after a weekend where favourites stuttered and every games seemed geared towards a cupset, I was looking forward to the first well-matched game of the tournament.
Prediction: Wales run South Africa close in the 2010 November international, reaching a lead of 20-9 just after half-time, only to lose 29-25. This game will be close, but I can see Wales just pipping it.
Game: third 5:30 game in three days, really didn’t want to wake up for this. And then South Africa scored a try in the first five minutes through running and pushing rugby and it suddenly became a great reason to be awake.
Half-time status: the quietest crowd in the sitting room so far, an intimate occasion for Wez and myself, but the game is a belter. A missed penalty by James Hook is what divides the teams at the end of the half, South Africa going in 10-6 ahead at the break.
Full-time status: this has definitely been the best game of the tournament so far. Running rugby, wily hands and a pair of great tries in the second half. Toby Feleatu, the Tongan-born ‘Welshman’ scores after some great running and a solid conversion leaves Wales ahead by 6 points, until Bryan Habana gets hauled off for Francois Hougaard who instantly makes mischief and is on hand to run in a try between two confused Welsh defenders under the post. Wales have two opportunities to take the lead when one point behind in the last ten minutes, first from Rhys Priestland, whose drop goal effort is skewed wide from in front of the posts, and then from James Hook again, whose penalty seems to go over but is reported to have failed to do so. A storming encounter ends with South Africa winning, 17-16.
Man of the match: Sam Warburton, the second youngest Wales captain ever at 22, showed maturity and great leadership. Runner-up here would be Feleatu, who was dangerous whenever he got the ball.
Food: two bottles of Imperial lager, one packet of spicy Pringles.
Conversation keywords: the beauty of real ales, Miami in September, Facebook status updates.
Comments: it feels like the weekend has been split into six; my mind thinks that it’s Tuesday.
I was just watching a wrap up of the Pumas vs Georges. I didn't realize that the Pumas should have won.
ReplyDeleteVamos Rugby!