Glenwood Through to World Youth Rugby Finals – Featured Durban Blog

On May 4th, ironically the international STAR WARS day, Glenwood faced a highly rated New Zealand team in Rotorua Boys’ High School.

The toughest game of the tournament yet, the boys and management were eager to get the game started.

The day before was rainy and windy and this did not bode well for the condition of the field. Thankfully, the weather cleared up significantly and the field drained well. It was a fantastic day for rugby, despite a whirling wind which leveled the playing field somewhat.

Despite the clear one sided support for the NZ team, by the Japanese, Glenwood was ready for the encounter with the tournament favourites.

NZ began the game with the traditional Haka, this invitation to ‘battle’ did not seem to unsettle our boys who were primed for a tough game.

Lubbe started early with some good strong tackles as did Conradie, despite losing a boot and having an ankle ‘niggle’. F Botha broke through some tough NZ defense and proved that he was not to be taken lightly.

Glenwood was awarded a penalty which Holtzhausen secured and put Glenwood on the board. The game which followed seemed to be one littered with penalties and indeed it was these penalties which eventually pipped NZ out at the end of the game.

Glenwood’s mauling was top notch – 40m mauls at school boy level is a sight to behold. Glenwood took no nonsense and 10min into the game, Lubbe broke away to score a try under the posts, stepping four of the NZ defense.

Holtzhausen converted.

NZ started feeling the pressure now that points for GHS were in the double digits. Play from them became messy and physical. Glenwood’s conditioning, again, proved superior as 20min in the NZ team were dragging themselves across the field – tired and clearly out-skilled.

Although NZ started playing dirty, they did manage to score a try, yet missed a conversion. The wind was too strong for accurate kicking.

After some dirty play against Glenwood’s captain, Glenwood was awarded a penalty kick – Holtzhausen stepped up again. Soon after Brough decided he would like a taste of the try line and dashed through the opposition, but this was intercepted by NZ and they grounded the ball. Again, Glenwood’s mauling took shine. A penalty kick awarded to Glenwood did not result in points as the wind pushed the ball short of the posts.

NZ broke through the Glenwood defense, although very strong, and scored a try. This was converted and NZ were now also in the double digits.

At the end of the the first half, scores were very close at 13-12 to Glenwood. Van Rooyen powered through some tough opponents and NZ reply with some vocals on the field. Holtzhausen kicked out after a collapsed maul to bring the match’s first half to a close.

Both teams received some tough talks and the 2nd half got underway.

After a knock-on by NZ in the 22, Glenwood was awarded a scrum.

NZ’s penalty was fruitless. Kruger kicked a phenomenal kick from GHS 22 to land in NZ 22. Penalty awarded to NZ, but they opt to run.

Conradie showed his enthusiasm and skill on the field again, getting stuck in to some tough tackles and quick paced runs.

Van der Mescht was substituted in for Laubscher and the kiwis knew the game would change from here on in. Roodt kept things fresh on the field, encouraging the team to focus and stay in the game. Van der Mescht’s first carry earns him 15m and a couple of kiwi souvenirs. Another penalty was awarded and Holtzhausen ensured points here again.

Two yellow cards were given – GHS’ Weideman for a high tackle and NZ for a choke hold. Equally matched in numbers on the field, van der Mescht took another 40m carry – seems this birthday boy wanted his cake and to eat it too!

Again, Lubbe snatches the ball and scores in the far corner for Glenwood. Wind pushes the ball short of the poles – no conversion. The same for a penalty kick thereafter.

Holtzhausen offloads and allows O’Neil to power through and score for Glenwood. Conversion was missed, but Holtzhausen made up for this by scoring a penalty for Glenwood bringing the points score to a comfortable 29-12.

At full time the NZ team had conceded defeat. The Green machine had tamed the islanders. The Japanese supporters who had clearly identified more with the kiwis had now been won over by the brothers in green. OGA for Glenwood! #sanix2016 #greenmachine #greenisgold

Final Score 29-12. The fourth (force) was clearly with us.

On May 5th – Glenwood face the home side, Higashi Fukuoka High School in the Cup Final at 13h50 Japanese time. The game will be played at the Global Arena Stadium.

By Ian Schoeman (Glenwood Team Manager)