Crusaders stunned by Impi
The Crusaders slumped to a shock victory against the UKZN Impi in Durban North.
IT was the tale of the underdog triumphing over their more fancied opponents on Friday night, as the UKZN Impi team beat the Nashua Crusaders 21-18 in Durban North. Following their opening win of the campaign in Fidelity Moor Cup season against Toti, the home side (missing a number of first team players) started the game in the ascendancy as they took the lead through the boot of Gareth Prichard.
However, the Impi struck back with some attacking play, scoring a try through Thobekani Buthelezi and soon after slotting over two penalties through flyhalf, Boyd Rouse, to give the visitors a 11-3 lead going into the half-time break.
While the Crusaders struggled to hold on to the ball and build momentum in the first quarter, their second half performance was the complete opposite.
The boys from the North showed a dogmatic pragmatism with a more structured approach, and it seemed that head coach, Ronnie Uys’ words resonated with the players as John Wilsenach scored the home side’s first try. Prichard added the conversion to give the ‘Saders the lead for the first time in the match.
However, the Impi again struck back with another superb try from Buthelezi. Spa Dube then slotted over another penalty which meant the Impi had an eight-point cushion going into the final minutes of the game.
The momentum though, again, tipped in the favour of the home team as forward, Pina Monwabisi, scored his first try of the season to leave them just three points adrift. However, it proved too little too late as the Impi hung on for a memorable victory.
Head coach, Uys, said in the end his team didn’t deserve to win.
“Credit to UKZN – they were the better team on the day. From our side, I felt we came up short in the first half; we didn’t keep to our structures. In the second half we were much better and I felt we were more assured in our gameplay.
“It’s a huge wake-up call for my boys and it goes to show there are no easy games. We just have to bounce back in our next game,” he said.
Tries: John Wilsenach, Pina Monwabisi
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