Bob Dwyer Rugby Workshops

18th October, 2009

As I watched the European Challenge Cup match on Saturday (Australian East Coast Time), I was forced to reflect on the thriving state of European rugby and on just how far these two European Cup competitions had come in just over ten years.

The more senior cup, the Heineken, was a success from the start, but has grown to be the most sought-after trophy amongst the major northern hemisphere rugby nations. Huge crowds, fantastic television audiences and great sponsorships support club tribalism at its best, with international competition adding real spice.

It has not always been so with the Challenge Cup, however. In the early days, the administrators were never too sure just how to handle it. I remember when I was Director of Rugby at Bristol and, more than half-way through the tournament, the administrators decided that success in this Challenge Cup would mean nothing – no automatic inclusion in the lucrative Heineken Cup for the next season, no prize-money, and, by the way, you still had your (quite substantial) away-game expenses. The result was that some teams immediately reverted to a second team selection for away games – the home team kept the gate receipts.

No such problems now!

This intriguing clash, between two teams intent on reinventing themselves, was top quality. It shouldn’t really have been a surprise to me, but in the back of my mind was “Challenge Cup, not Heineken”. Toulon were once a powerhouse in French rugby and they obviously mean to be again – and soon. Teams once feared their visit to Mayol Stadium, and they will again – and soon. Saracens began their time in professional rugby as a real force, assembling a very strong team led by winning World Cup captain, Francois Pienaar, and star Wallabies’ fly-half, Michael Lynagh. In recent times, however, they had fallen away somewhat, but, with the appointment of ex-Springbok centre Brendan Venter as Director of Rugby, they have moved to assemble a most competitive squad and are current leaders in the Guinness premiership.

Toulon made their intentions clear from the start and, although the match remained try-less for 25mins, they always looked likely to breach the Saracens defence.  Eventually, they finished off another of their many half-opportunities for their first try, by Lovobalu.  They didn’t have to wait long for their second. Five minutes later, a great kick chase, then an acrobatic catch by Australian fullback, Luke Rooney, put Joe van Niekirk away for Lovobalu’s second try. Saracens stayed in touch only through Derek Hougaard’s three penalties for a half-time score of 18-9.

Toulon’s decisive strike power was immediately to the fore on the resumption after the break, for a try to Tom May. Wilkinson continued to contribute with the conversion, for a scoreline of 25-9, and the result was as good as confirmed. Indeed, the longer the game went, the greater was Jonny Wilkinson’s contribution, but it was not always with the boot. His defence and his workrate were both outstanding. His reading of the play remains first class and one ‘mark’ which he took, running back, to relieve pressure on the Toulon line, showed his quality. I’ve often thought, along with many others, that he is too brave for his own good. No wonder he is frequently injured. Another Wilkinson penalty reinforced Toulon’s position at 28-9, but this was to signal a Saracens comeback.

Saracens had made some replacements and tried to apply some muscle up front. An excellent, well-constructed, driving maul brought a try to their captain, Wickus van Heerden, and it was clear that he was not going to let his team limp away. With 20 mins still to play, a score of 28-16 now gave them a chance of some reward – a losing bonus point at least.

Saracens were now playing with the anxiety and endeavour which is often aroused in a team facing defeat. I have always thought that the same qualities could be better used at a scoreline of 0-0. Their anxiety, however, was resulting in a succession of penalties, which enabled Toulon to hold them back, and, eventually, one was kickable - with the inevitable Wilkinson response for 31-16.

Toulon were now certain of victory and chased the bonus point fourth try, but an intercept to speedster, Richard Horton, gave, instead, a try to Saracens. Now it was their turn to chase the (losing) bonus point, and they worked the play well to give Glen Jackson an opportunity with an attempted drop goal, but it was well wide. The final scoreline of 31-23 was kind to Saracens, but they had responded to their skipper’s exhortations and never gave in.

Toulon had some excellent performers. Wilkinson was very good, but I suspect that there is more to come from him, especially in attack.  Luke Rooney was excellent at fullback and Robbie Deans should take a closer look. Kris Chesney obviously relished the chance to remind his old club of his qualities and the thought occurred to me that he is well-suited to the ‘rigours’ of French club rugby. Joe van Niekirk continues to lead his team from the front and is a major contributor, week in, week out.

Juan-Martin Fernandez-Lobbe was fantastic. Pace, skill, enterprise, courage, commitment. He’s got the lot. Those Argies have some great players; the sooner we get them into the ‘Four Nations” Tournament, the better for rugby.

I enjoyed the game again. A few weeks more and I may begin to forget the ‘kickfest’ from Australia and South Africa.