The South African Rugby League (SARL) national team, The Rhinos, recently began their Tri-Nations campaign against Niue.
The match, which was played in Pretoria, started on a high for the Rhinos when they scored the first try in the opening two minutes.
The team continued their powerful opening campaign, defending the visitors’ attacks and scoring yet another try, bringing their lead to 12-0.
However, a poor kick from the Rhinos opened the door for the visitors and they were able to put some points on the scoreboard.
The first half continued at an intense pace, with great tries from both sides.
Towards the end of the half a yellow card was given to a Niue player, after he hit Ronald Botes in the face during a confrontation.
The Rhinos took advantage of having an extra man on the field and scored another try before the half-time whistle.
The determined Rhinos headed into the second half, with Niue in the lead by 10 points, but the team was ready to chase the score.
The match continued at its fast pace, with the visitors’ experience and skill coming to the forefront.
Despite several more tries from the Rhinos, Niue scored three tries in succession in the closing 10 minutes of the match.
The game went to Niue with the final score at 50-22.
“After the match we had the chance to bond with the team from Niue.
“It was a great opportunity and we look forward to playing against them again,” said Andries van der Merwe, on behalf of the Rhinos.
The second match will also be played against Niue, as the team from Lebanon had to withdraw, due to a lack of funds.
The Rhinos are now preparing for the next match, working on their defensive structures and other areas of their game play that they feel were lacking in this clash.
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