Open Mens Third Test
Setting: One men’s test match each, and the last game of the day. The Trust Stadium stands are full of eager supporters each having their own view of who will take the series.
Australia started well with the ball and were lucky not to score off the tap off. NZ start just as strong with hard yards that get them to the other half of the field but strong defence from Australia keep the NZ scorers at bay. The next 8 minutes of the game saw two well disciplined and highly skilled teams see-saw back and forward throughout the field.
NZ were first to score, with the electric Ed Burrell, showing fast reflexes to get the ball down before the Australian defence could claim the touch. NZ could barely take a sip of their water bottles as Australia returned with a touchdown to #10, Matt Prowse. 1-1 score line.
Tama Guthrie showed similar skills to Ed Burrell to score NZs second touchdown. 2-1 NZ.
The next 3 minutes looked to be NZ’s time in the light. NZ putting great pressure on Australia which turned into two brilliant intercept tries to Ruamai Erueti and Michael Cavanagh (both running 60 metres). 4-1 NZ.
Australia regrouped to notch back a touchdown to #1, Jamie Stowe. Score 4-2.
NZ had their own reply with Ruamai Erueti taking a beautiful long ball on the wing to score in the corner. 5-2.
The Australian captain, Drumayne Dayberg-Muir regathered his troops by setting up #15, Dan Withers to score. 5-3.
NZ lost their grip on the convincing lead with Australia taking the last try of the half (Matt Prowse #10). 5-4.
The next half started with Australia evening up the score. 5-5 scoreline, Matt Prowse once again scoring in the corner.
NZ captain, Nazea Silbery answered the spectators’ prayers by power scooping through the Aussie defence to set up #2, Tame Greensill. 5-6 NZ. But that man again, Matt Prowse, was not going to give in and getting his fourth touchdown making the score 6-6 with four minutes to go.
Nazea Silbery, once again, carved through the Australian defence to feed off to co-captain Maurice Stone to dot down. But the referees had other views in mind. The controlling ref called his sideline refs to confer regarding a holding or pushing incident between one NZ and one Australian player which resulted in no touchdown and a penalty to Australia. Australia needed a hero and captain and NZ born, Drumayne Dayberg-Muir stepped up. Dayberg-Muir received a long ball on the run and then stepped inside a NZ defender and dived low to score a touchdown. 7-6 Australia.
NZ fought hard for the next two minutes but could not crack the Australian defence.
Australia take the game 7-6 and the series 2-1.
The spectators could not have asked for a better show.
Outstanding players for Australia were Drumayne Dayberg-Muir and Matt Prowse.
Outstanding players for NZ were Nazea Silbery, Ruamai Erueti and Ed Burrell.
Last Modified on 24/01/2010 12:53