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| Tuts' Audio Report | John Brain Interview | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The interval gave us the opportunity to reflect on what could have been. maybe down by 12 points or even in front by 2. Always worth a discussion. During the interview we were entertained by some colourfully dressed youngsters who were clearly enjoying every moment. Quite how we construct a maypole at Sixways for our traditional dancing is a dilemma. Maybe Shaun could stand in the middle with some brightly coloured ribbons hanging from his hair. It would certainly give us all a moment to remember |
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It was time to rejoin the battle. Irish were the favourites to win this game, but now halfway through it was anybodies. The first 10 minutes of this half were crucial. Worcester had to hold them back and then the pressure and expectation might get to them. In the first 2 minutes a series of attacks on the Warriors line met some stout defence. As it looked a certain try a big hit came in and dislodged the ball as the player drove over to touch down. Try said the announcer and a milli-second later it was on the board. No said the referee as the touch judge indicated a knock-on |
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This spurred on the
Irish team as they tried again and again to breakdown the Worcester defence. Tackle after tackle came in from the backrow of Sanderson, Hickey and Vaili. Slowly but surely Worcester started to take control of the game. Their set piece was now the potent weapon we had come to expect. The frontrow of Windo, Niekerk and Horsman were utterly dominant as they took the Irish front row apart |
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We still had some
good attacks being set up when in possession but the ideas from Irish were
fading. It was going to need a spark of genius, even the mercurial Catt could not conjure up a move to break through the midfield of Rasmussen and Lombard. On the counter Worcester looked pacey with Hylton showing just how quick he is. We need to get him into space and he will devastate defences. |
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The game was now
being played out in the middles of the field. Possession for Irish was slowly drying up and Worcester were most definitely in the game. This was now a game that either team could win. The psychological advantage though was with Worcester as they had not been blown away by last weeks rampant leaders of the Premiership. Both teams were determined not to let this game slip away as we slowly fell into the driving maul tactics of Premiership rugby. |
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It was Worcester who were gaing in
confidence and the ability to sustained some good attacking positions. The ball was being retained and the Irish defence stretched. It was not sparkling rugby but it was effective. The lineout started to function better as Iris started to regularly overthrow their jumpers in a bid to keep the ball away from Gillies A sustained period of attacks took Worcester to the Irish line. Three times the swarming Warriors were held at bay. Something will give! |
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Finally it came a penalty in front of the posts as the clock ticked down. It was time to bring on the "Man of the Moment" On came Big Tim. Adding 22 stone of muscle to a scrum which was already dominant n=must have had a disheartening effect on the Irish 8. First drive was held up and the referee re-set the scrum after having words with the Irish forwards. In went the ball and the scrum surged towards the try line. A certain try was on the cards as Irish forwards in desperation transgressed. Penalty Try Irish 15 : 17 Warriors |
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For the first time in the game Worcester were in front and the supporters were delirious. The question now was could we hold on, a penalty would see us lose the game as we moved into injury time. It was time for a touch of quick thinking from Shane Drahm. He saw the smallest of opportunities for a drop goal and took it. The ball was hit perfectly as it sailed between the two uprights. Irish 15 : 20 Warriors A converted try was now needed to take the game away from the battling Warriors |
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It was backs to the walls as Irish threw everything at the Warriors line. A great kick to the right-hand corner and win the line saw Irish in position to win the game. Drive after drive was held up. Penalty. Irish had to go for a tap. In came Rasmussen and Sanderson down went their first receivers. Drive the ball on wards. Another penalty. A try was not certain so no penalty try. Another tap and go. In came Horstman and Hickey, once again down went Irish. Drive and drive and drive. The warriors held firm, tackle after tackle after tackle. Finally a mistake end of the play, final whistle. Irish 15 : 20 Warriors |
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