South China Tigers v Asia Pacific Dragons - Aberdeen HK - 21 Apr 2019
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ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
South China Tigers out to slay the Dragons
April 18, 2019
The South China Tigers are set for a historic first home match at Aberdeen Sports Ground on Sunday when they take on Singapore’s Asia Pacific Dragons.
The Dragons squad features 11 internationals, largely drawn from the Pacific Island nations with a sprinkling of Australian 7s players and ex-Super Rugby stars, fell to a 42-10 defeat in its first Global Rapid Rugby outing against the Western Force in Perth last weekend.
The Tigers lost their opener against the Force, 45-22, leaving this weekend’s tie a must-win for coach Craig Hammond’s side if they hope to claim the Asian Showcase Series crown and AUD$25,000 prize purse for the champions.
“It’s a must win, otherwise we go to Singapore where it will be tough to play them, and the we have the Force. So Sunday is both a massive challenge and opportunity,” said Hammond.
The final four matches of the regional showcase are in Asia with Tigers hosting the Dragons this Sunday before a return leg nextweekend in Singapore. Rapid Rugby action returns to Hong Kong on 12 May for the seres finale versus the Force at Aberdeen Sports Ground.
“With one game beneath our belt, the South China Tigers look to be one of the most competitive and exciting teams in this new competition,” shares Pieter Schats, Chairman of Hong Kong Rugby Union.
The Force with a perfect 2-0 record and a clean haul of the double bonus points available in every match, are on top of the table with 12 points, leaving the Tigers needing to sweep the Dragons to stay in contention ahead of the Force’s inaugural visit to Hong Kong next month.
Preparing for only their second outing under the new laws introduced by Global Rapid Rugby, the Tigers sights are set more narrowly on this weekend’s clash, which is expected to be highly physical.
“The whole team, their subs, everyone, they are big fellas, which is a different challenge to what we have played against. They have a lot of international players and a lot of older guys that have played a lot of high-level footy.”
The Tigers have responded in kind, opting for a heavy line-up with towering lock Craig Lodge coming into the squad along with No.8 Luke van der Smit, one of the form players in the Hong Kong Premiership. Hammond has also welcomed the return of Hong Kong prop Ben Higgins from a pernicious niggle that has sidelined him since November.
“Our challenge is to live with their physicality and at the same time do what we need to do. We pride ourselves on our work rate and our capacity for work and we have to make sure we can maintain that intensity for 70 minutes.”
Hammond, manager Andrew Hall and positional coach Brett Wilkinson have been working hard with the forwards this week to prepare for what is shaping up to be a titanic battle on Easter Sunday.
The Force’s pack gave the Tigers more than they bargained for in the opener and the scrum will be another key contest against the Dragons.
“They more than held their own versus Western Force in the scrum. Their guys are probably bigger than the Force, and the Force are big already. We have to get our set piece right, that has been a massive focus for us this week,” Hammond noted.
“Training has been a lot more physical this week, and the guys have been up for it and are looking forward to Sunday. These are the kind of games we want, to prepare ourselves for going forward as a franchise,” Hammond concluded.
https://www.rapidrugby.com/south-china-tigers-out-to-slay-the-dragons/
April 18, 2019
The South China Tigers are set for a historic first home match at Aberdeen Sports Ground on Sunday when they take on Singapore’s Asia Pacific Dragons.
The Dragons squad features 11 internationals, largely drawn from the Pacific Island nations with a sprinkling of Australian 7s players and ex-Super Rugby stars, fell to a 42-10 defeat in its first Global Rapid Rugby outing against the Western Force in Perth last weekend.
The Tigers lost their opener against the Force, 45-22, leaving this weekend’s tie a must-win for coach Craig Hammond’s side if they hope to claim the Asian Showcase Series crown and AUD$25,000 prize purse for the champions.
“It’s a must win, otherwise we go to Singapore where it will be tough to play them, and the we have the Force. So Sunday is both a massive challenge and opportunity,” said Hammond.
The final four matches of the regional showcase are in Asia with Tigers hosting the Dragons this Sunday before a return leg nextweekend in Singapore. Rapid Rugby action returns to Hong Kong on 12 May for the seres finale versus the Force at Aberdeen Sports Ground.
“With one game beneath our belt, the South China Tigers look to be one of the most competitive and exciting teams in this new competition,” shares Pieter Schats, Chairman of Hong Kong Rugby Union.
The Force with a perfect 2-0 record and a clean haul of the double bonus points available in every match, are on top of the table with 12 points, leaving the Tigers needing to sweep the Dragons to stay in contention ahead of the Force’s inaugural visit to Hong Kong next month.
Preparing for only their second outing under the new laws introduced by Global Rapid Rugby, the Tigers sights are set more narrowly on this weekend’s clash, which is expected to be highly physical.
“The whole team, their subs, everyone, they are big fellas, which is a different challenge to what we have played against. They have a lot of international players and a lot of older guys that have played a lot of high-level footy.”
The Tigers have responded in kind, opting for a heavy line-up with towering lock Craig Lodge coming into the squad along with No.8 Luke van der Smit, one of the form players in the Hong Kong Premiership. Hammond has also welcomed the return of Hong Kong prop Ben Higgins from a pernicious niggle that has sidelined him since November.
“Our challenge is to live with their physicality and at the same time do what we need to do. We pride ourselves on our work rate and our capacity for work and we have to make sure we can maintain that intensity for 70 minutes.”
Hammond, manager Andrew Hall and positional coach Brett Wilkinson have been working hard with the forwards this week to prepare for what is shaping up to be a titanic battle on Easter Sunday.
The Force’s pack gave the Tigers more than they bargained for in the opener and the scrum will be another key contest against the Dragons.
“They more than held their own versus Western Force in the scrum. Their guys are probably bigger than the Force, and the Force are big already. We have to get our set piece right, that has been a massive focus for us this week,” Hammond noted.
“Training has been a lot more physical this week, and the guys have been up for it and are looking forward to Sunday. These are the kind of games we want, to prepare ourselves for going forward as a franchise,” Hammond concluded.
https://www.rapidrugby.com/south-china-tigers-out-to-slay-the-dragons/
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
First Podcast from the SC Tigers with Tom Varndell & Robbie McRobbie.
https://www.podbean.com/media/share...EFwbCdZLYoUk-hhQVw1q1TO6wTK3_gqa4_OoMbEIBU0fE
https://www.facebook.com/asiapacificdragons.rapidrugby.fanpage/
https://www.facebook.com/SCTRugby/
https://www.podbean.com/media/share...EFwbCdZLYoUk-hhQVw1q1TO6wTK3_gqa4_OoMbEIBU0fE
https://www.facebook.com/asiapacificdragons.rapidrugby.fanpage/
https://www.facebook.com/SCTRugby/
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
F5 refresh
SBS live stream:
https://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/video/45667907652/LIVE-Rapid-Rugby-China-Tigers-V-Asia-Dragons
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Good win to the SC Tigers over the AP Dragons.
Both teams struggled in the 2nd half due to fitness and wet ground conditions.
Despite being well down at half-time the AD Dragons could still have stolen the game but fell short due to a missed try conversion and a dis-allowed (knock-on) power try in the last play of the game.
The Honey Badger can only improve as a side-line commentator.
Pleasing to see Andrew Forrest and Matt Hodgson in attendance - supporting the concept of GRR .
Both teams struggled in the 2nd half due to fitness and wet ground conditions.
Despite being well down at half-time the AD Dragons could still have stolen the game but fell short due to a missed try conversion and a dis-allowed (knock-on) power try in the last play of the game.
The Honey Badger can only improve as a side-line commentator.
Pleasing to see Andrew Forrest and Matt Hodgson in attendance - supporting the concept of GRR .
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
I didn't mind the rugby in that game. Enough glimpes of good play in it, and something to work with!
Get the Badge more involved another way - better pre-match interviews, etc, previews, whatever.
Must admit I'm not a fan of the post-try interviews. My vote would be to bone 'em.
Get the Badge more involved another way - better pre-match interviews, etc, previews, whatever.
Yeah - They can build from here.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Only got to watch first half which was ok and agree honey badger as sideline commentator so so. Rugby ok..crowd bit small but ground chosen seems they expect it. My thoughts are growing game in places like hk, Singapore and Malaysia tough gig and hope they calm the farm on expansion plans to other places like Sri Lanka and India. Baby steps lads, baby steps.
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Tigers claw their way to first win
April 21, 2019
The South China Tigers have claimed their first Global Rapid Rugby win, taking the spoils on a sodden Aberdeen Sports Ground against the Asia Pacific Dragons on Sunday afternoon in Hong Kong.
The home side had all the early running, scoring four tries to one in the opening half before a spirited comeback from the Asia Pacific Dragons late in the second half. The action continued after the final siren when a last-ditch by the Dragons almost score a spectacular Power Try but it was disallowed by the TMO for a knock-on.
After torrential rain turned the field into a lake only a day earlier, both sides had find their feet early, however it was the Tigers that mastered the conditions best and gained an early ascendancy.
The home team had the first points on the board thanks to speedy fullback Nathan De Thierry after the Tigers were gifted strong field position following an errant kick by the Dragons which rolled out over the dead ball line.
Nathan De Thierry of South China Tigers in action during the Global Rapid Rugby match between the South China Tigers and Asia Pacific Dragons at Aberdeen Sports Ground on April 21, 2019 in Hong Kong. (Photo by Ivan Shum – Clicks Images/Getty Images)
They doubled their score 10 minutes later when Lewis Warner broke through the Dragons defence and was able to slide across the try line despite some desperate defending by Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
Two tries then became three for the Tigers when Sami Nagavesi showed outstanding dexterity to snatch a bouncing ball from under the nose of everyone, leaving the Dragons in real danger of a being on the end of a blowout score line going into half time.
Boasting plenty of talent and experience the Dragons made great use of their big forward pack to create a solid rolling maul and push the Tigers defence backwards before Latu Talakai registered a morale boosting try.
The scoring wasn’t done however, the Tigers adding their fourth try through half back Luke Van Der Smit immediately after the restart to wrestle back the momentum as an entertaining first half came to an end.
Despite a heavy pitch and end to end action taking its toll on the players in the opening half there was plenty of intent from both sides in the second stanza, however scoring dried up. A penalty goal to the Tigers was the only points scored for 30 minutes before the Dragons sprang to life and scored two tries in quick succession.
With less than five minutes to go, an intuitive move from the Dragons’ Kali Hala saw him seize a prime opportunity, intercepting the ball just metres from the try line to bolster the visitors confidence and narrow the deficit.
The Singaporean based side weren’t done yet as Nili Latu added to an already impressive performance with a clever chip ahead giving Naibuka Rokua a chance to run on and score a great try.
Trailing by 10 points and with time expired, the Dragons couldn’t win but wanted to get as close as possible with one last gasp effort. Going the length of the field, and with the Power Try active, they almost ended the game in spectacular style. Latu again instrumental, chipping forward for Mitchell Scott who deftly kicked the ball off the deck to his own advantage and dived over for the try. Scott and his team-mates were celebrating a brilliant end to the match only to have the TMO rule the winger had knocked on as he crossed the try line.
Rapid Rugby action continues in Asia next week when the Tigers and Dragons meet again next week for a re-match match in Singapore on Sunday, 28 April 2019.
https://www.rapidrugby.com/south-china-tigers-hunt-down-their-first-win/
April 21, 2019
The South China Tigers have claimed their first Global Rapid Rugby win, taking the spoils on a sodden Aberdeen Sports Ground against the Asia Pacific Dragons on Sunday afternoon in Hong Kong.
The home side had all the early running, scoring four tries to one in the opening half before a spirited comeback from the Asia Pacific Dragons late in the second half. The action continued after the final siren when a last-ditch by the Dragons almost score a spectacular Power Try but it was disallowed by the TMO for a knock-on.
After torrential rain turned the field into a lake only a day earlier, both sides had find their feet early, however it was the Tigers that mastered the conditions best and gained an early ascendancy.
The home team had the first points on the board thanks to speedy fullback Nathan De Thierry after the Tigers were gifted strong field position following an errant kick by the Dragons which rolled out over the dead ball line.
Nathan De Thierry of South China Tigers in action during the Global Rapid Rugby match between the South China Tigers and Asia Pacific Dragons at Aberdeen Sports Ground on April 21, 2019 in Hong Kong. (Photo by Ivan Shum – Clicks Images/Getty Images)
They doubled their score 10 minutes later when Lewis Warner broke through the Dragons defence and was able to slide across the try line despite some desperate defending by Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
Two tries then became three for the Tigers when Sami Nagavesi showed outstanding dexterity to snatch a bouncing ball from under the nose of everyone, leaving the Dragons in real danger of a being on the end of a blowout score line going into half time.
Boasting plenty of talent and experience the Dragons made great use of their big forward pack to create a solid rolling maul and push the Tigers defence backwards before Latu Talakai registered a morale boosting try.
The scoring wasn’t done however, the Tigers adding their fourth try through half back Luke Van Der Smit immediately after the restart to wrestle back the momentum as an entertaining first half came to an end.
Despite a heavy pitch and end to end action taking its toll on the players in the opening half there was plenty of intent from both sides in the second stanza, however scoring dried up. A penalty goal to the Tigers was the only points scored for 30 minutes before the Dragons sprang to life and scored two tries in quick succession.
With less than five minutes to go, an intuitive move from the Dragons’ Kali Hala saw him seize a prime opportunity, intercepting the ball just metres from the try line to bolster the visitors confidence and narrow the deficit.
The Singaporean based side weren’t done yet as Nili Latu added to an already impressive performance with a clever chip ahead giving Naibuka Rokua a chance to run on and score a great try.
Trailing by 10 points and with time expired, the Dragons couldn’t win but wanted to get as close as possible with one last gasp effort. Going the length of the field, and with the Power Try active, they almost ended the game in spectacular style. Latu again instrumental, chipping forward for Mitchell Scott who deftly kicked the ball off the deck to his own advantage and dived over for the try. Scott and his team-mates were celebrating a brilliant end to the match only to have the TMO rule the winger had knocked on as he crossed the try line.
Rapid Rugby action continues in Asia next week when the Tigers and Dragons meet again next week for a re-match match in Singapore on Sunday, 28 April 2019.
https://www.rapidrugby.com/south-china-tigers-hunt-down-their-first-win/