Auckland University vs University of Canterbury - Match Review 

A university footy trip just like the good old days. The Auckland lads had high levels of excitement as they flew down to Christchurch for the weekend to take on some fellow Vipers. With perfect playing conditions underfoot and big yellow shining with light winds, the scene was set for a great free-flowing game of rugby.

It took both teams 10 minutes to find themselves as the pace of the opening stand was fierce. After a clean lineout, strong carry and some width down an edge the Auckland Vipers were on a roll, which resulted in a well-worked try to George Emosi. Eli Margison converts. 7-0.

Not long after that, the Christchurch Vipers got a roll on with some great offloading catching the Auckland side, Jarrod Mitchell scored to the right of the horns, try converted. 7-7

From a set-piece and a great carry from Alfred Nonu lead to a quick offload off the deck to an ever-ranging Noah Foster, try converted 14-7.

Not long after the kick-off UC had the ball from a right-hand scrum, with the Auckland vipers hard on defence they executed a great shut defence, as a result, the rangy Liam Brady intercepted a pass and went 60m to score, try converted. 21-7.

In the final throws of half time the UC lads got another roll on this time from a scrum, a simple set of hands allowed Blake Makiri to cross just before half time.

Half Time 21-14 to Auckland Uni.

Just as the Auckland university lads got themselves back in the game after half time, a long passage of play by the Cantabs resulted in the silky Isaac Leota slicing through two tired props to go untouched for his 40m dash to the line. 21 – 21

As the Auckland university subs rolled on the impact was instant, fresh strong ball carriers attracted defenders resulting in Sage Shaw-Tait being on the end of a well-conscructed passage of play to finish strongly in the corner. Margison with pin point accuracy from the sideline. 28-21

Much of the same, strong carries, movement of the ball, and fast ruck ball resulted in Auckland University running in two more tries, one each to Noah Foster and Liam Brady. Marigson coverts both. 42-21.

As do all good Cantab sides, they are always in the fight. A well-worked try catching some tired Auckland university defenders saw Jack Parker glide over in the 56min. try unconverted. 42-25.

In contention for try of the year, Basil Aholelei finished a fantastic passage of play that embodied everything University rugby is. Margison again pin point. 49-25

To put the icing on top a scrum in the final minutes of the game saw Alfred Nonu bust over and score under the horns to take the game 56-25. Margison taking 8/8.

In great university fashion, the hospitality was second to none, the beers were flowing, the war stories came out and everyone had a great evening.

Both sides should do well in their respective comps in 2022.

Article added: Thursday 31 March 2022