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PLAYERS' MANAGER - NEWS IN BRIEF 16 MAY 2009

WO Steve Worrall reports on the final game of the tour.

Final Test Report

The RAF team remained unchanged for the last game of the two test series at the Whenuapai Oval. As with the recent days weather, it gave showers in the afternoon after a bright sunny morning. The team had trained well and were very focused on the task ahead, and the thought of making history with a two test victory. Throughout the morning it was obvious that the squad was extremely focused and maybe too focused as the realisation of the game was soon to arrive.
The home side had made seven changes from the team that was defeated a week earlier, and it was soon apparent after the kick off that the Kiwi's were looking to play an expansive game, living off the scraps provided by their pack. It was the visitors pack who were dominant from the start, and that set the tone of the match. As the heavens opened at the start of the first half , the RAF team were soon shocked by the intensity of the Kiwi play, and after a simple break from midfield the home side were touching down under the RAF posts. It was a wake up call, maybe the arrival of the "Grass Roots" camera crew, and a very impressive speech by former All Black Buck Shelford, possibly phased the players, as they were a little off the pace to start with, and some poor defending and tactical acumen, ensured that the home team were dominant during the first quarter.
However, it was soon apparent that the game was going to be a contest of two different styles, the Kiwis living off scraps and the RAF pack dominant throughout. After a sustained amount of pressure, it was scrum half Gunning who sniped from a scrum, to touch down in what was beginning to look like a quagmire of a pitch after another torrential down pour. The conversion missed, but fly half Jones put the RAF team into the lead with a well struck penalty to leave the score 8-7 to the RAF.
Then came a series of penalties that saw the Kiwi 15 convert two kicks in quick succession. The score had now moved on to 13-8 to the home team and the RAF team looked rattled and out of sorts. The coaches were wishing the half time whistle to come as the team had lost its shape and tactical nous. The conditions were deteriorating and they were just not playing in the right areas of the field.

Half Time 13-8

The second half was started amidst monsoon like conditions as the rain was torrential, however this was the start of a tremendous half of rugby as the home team were defending manfully against the RAF onslaught. The game was now played mainly in the home teams half and more often the 22m area. It was after some sustained pressure by the RAF team with no return, enabled the Kiwi's to break out and move play deep into the RAF half. Flanker Kennedy was shown a yellow card for killing the ball, and this resulted in another penalty for the fullback. Score 16-8. The kick off was sent deep into the home teams 22m, and after a poor clearance kick, the RAF team maintained continious pressure, and after the ball was swiftly moved back to the blind side it was fly half Steve Jones who ghosted through the defence to score wide out. The conversion was missed. Score 16-13, and all to play for. The Kiwi's kicked deep, into the visitors 22m, and a fumble ensured that they stayed there. Again the RAF defended their line well, and with Kennedy still in the bin, the home side were turning up the pressure through there dangerous backs. Eventually something gave, and it was an offside in the midfield that gave the fullback another guilt edged opportunity to score. He did so with aplomb, as the kick sailed between the posts, amidst the downpour that was continuing. Score 19-13
However it was the RAF who were not giving in. Their pack was immense throughout, man of the match Blewitt to the fore, enabled the tight game to put pressure on the home team, and after another period of sustained pressure it was the pack that drove over the visitors line with Blewitt claiming the try, it was left to replacement fly half Mountfield to try and kick the conversion in extremely difficult conditions, and unfortunately he missed. Score 19-18, and all to play for.
With at least 10 mins to go the RAF team, and especially the pack who were prominent throughout were dictating the game, pick and drives, and box kick was the order of the day, and this was expertly carried out after the harsh words from the coaches at half time. The pack were now providing ball, but the Kiwis were heroic in defence. The game was absorbing and brutal, and considering the conditions, no quarter was given. Unfortunately, the RAF team just couldn't break the defence and collect the vital score to clinch the series, and it was from another attacking 5m scrum, that Kiwi Flanker Price disrupted the final lunge for the line. The chance was gone and so was the opportunity for a series win in New Zealand.

Full time score RNZAF 19-18 RAFRU.

The players had given their all, and were extremely disappointed with the final score. Scoring three tries to one, and seven tries to one over the two games the players can feel justifiably proud of their achievements. This has been a tremendous tour, and the new players involved with RAF rugby at this level have enjoyed and learnt much from the experience. We are now on our way home to the UK, having gained new friends in this hot bed of rugby.

The dinner after the game was a tremendous event and fully supported by the CAF RNZAF, the DA Group Captain Bond and many other Kiwi dignitaries.
All players and management would like to express their sincere thanks to the RNZAF Rugby Union for their support and friendship. Particular mention should go to Sqn Ldr Mike Cunningham, Sgt Rick Wadmore and Mr Richard Horwood, who have all provided the support that is necessary for a tour of this magnitude (Steve Worrall).

With the team now safely home preparation begins for the 2009/10 season.

Shaun Hesmondhalgh
Players' Manager

PLAYERS' MANAGER - NEWS IN BRIEF 14 MAY 2009

As the RAFRU Senior Squad prepare for the 2nd and final Test against the RNZAF, Tour Captain SAC Steve Green reports from his personal perspective.

Day 8 - Tour Report

After the euphoria of winning the first fixture and the relaxing weekend we are now totally focussed on the 2nd Test Match. I have been extremely impressed with the attitude and application of the whole squad. It has made my job of being captain a lot easier knowing that the lads are being looked after so well by the RNZAF staff especially the accommodation and catering staff who have been extremely helpful to us. Training has gone well this morning, considering it was our first session after the weekends activities (the final 'Touch & Pass' game was dominated by the forwards again). The final session this afternoon will prepare us for tomorrow's challenge and the lads are confident we can pull off another victory.

Tonight the squad will be having a team meal in the Sky Tower in the centre of Auckland after which we will be getting our heads down for an early night feeling refreshed for tomorrows big game.

It is a huge honour being captain of the team and I hope all the lads who could not make the tour are wishing us well in our quest for an historic win. Tomorrow will see the end of Matt Cornish's playing days as he will be hanging up his boots at the end of season; as a previous RAF captain Matt has been an inspirational leader and someone who all the lads look up to. Tomorrow also see's the end of Pete Taylor's association with RAF rugby after more than 20 years. Another previous RAF captain and now coach, Pete will also be looking to go out on a high; upon the final whistle the senior Salmon is gone and the Cod will become Salmon number 2! Barrell will be in a lonely place after tomorrow without his right hand man, however I am sure he will manage.

The next time you hear from us will hopefully be after another hard fought victory.

Regards, Steve Green (Tour Captain)

Moral is high and preparation for the final Test is going very well, match report to follow.

Shaun Hesmondhalgh

Players' Manager

PLAYERS' MANAGER - NEWS IN BRIEF 11 MAY 2009

Tour Update

Tour Manager, Barney Wallace, provides details on the New Zealand Tour post 1st Test against the RNZAF.

Day 5 - 7

Day 5 - Following the post match festivities, the Friday consisted of a well deserved lay in for the lads followed by a bus journey to Hamilton to be escorted around the Waikato Stadium. The squad then moved on to Rotorua for the evening where they utilised the hotel Spa facilities to the upmost.

Day 6 - Commenced with a relaxing team swim followed by breakfast. The Squad then proceeded to embark on several adventurous activities such as bungy jumping, white-water rafting etc. A little sight seeing took in the Maori Marea, which was an insight into the cultural Maori way of life, which was fully enjoyed by all who attended. The squad then proceeded on to Hamilton to watch the Super 14's fixture Chiefs V Hurricanes, final score 16 - 8 to the Chiefs. All appreciated the atmosphere & skill level seen on show. After the match it was a brisk walk through Hamilton to the after match function, which included a team meal in the Hog restaurant where we dined with the players from the Chiefs team, Mils Muliaina, Rodney So'oialo, et al. After the meal the RAFRU Squad and the Chiefs players moved across the road to the CBD bar where we were hosted by the Chiefs management & players. The lads relaxed & enjoyed the evening.

Day 7 - Began with a leisurely drive back to Auckland with a stop at the largest Mall in NZ for some retail therapy & lunch. After arriving back at Whenuapai the players were gathered for a 1900 hrs meeting. The focus now on preparation for the 2nd Test on Wednesday the 13th of May. Coaches Worrall & Taylor outlined the training program for the next few days and specific details for the next fixture, this also included details on the planned Auckland Blues training session on Tuesday the 12th May. From a non playing perspective, the tour so far has been a smooth ride, many thanks needs to go to Rich Horwood (Ex RAFRU Senior Squad Physio now based in New Zealand), who has coordinated a lot of the activities enjoyed by all, as well as Sqn Ldr Mike Cunningham, who has hosted the tour party since arrival in New Zealand. The Squad has bonded exceptionally well which has eased the path for a lot of the 1st tourists, who have fitted in effortlessly (Barney Wallace).

Shaun Hesmondhalgh

Players' Manager

PLAYERS' MANAGER - NEWS IN BRIEF 9 MAY 2009

Steve Worrall, Head Coach RAFRU Senior Squad reports on the 1st Test victory against the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

1st Test Match Report

After a 12000 mile journey and only two days to prepare the RAFRU Senior XV played the first of two matches against the RNZAF. The team selected included 10 capped players, with only centre Flammia capped in the RAF backline and six players starting for the first time at senior level.

Conditions under foot were heavy after repeated showers, and the team were fully aware of the task ahead. RAF Captain Steve Green won the toss, and elected to play with the strong breeze behind the team in RAF blue. The Kiwi's kicked off and the ball was won and moved quickly to Angelo Flammia who kicked ahead and chased, regaining the ball, the RAF forwards recyled quickly and debutant fly half Steve Jones touched down on the left side of the posts. The conversion was missed, and after two minutes the score was 5-0 to the visitors.

The pattern of play developed into a battle of the RAF pack controlling the set pieces and the RNZAF dangerous backs looking to put width on the game. After both sides spent time probing and looking for ways through in the difficult conditions, it was the RAF forwards who took control. After exerting pressure on the oppositions 5m line it was Al Blewitt who stormed over and increased the score to 10-0.

Play was then moved into the RAF half and the Kiwi fly half reduced the deficit with a well struck penalty to make the score 10-3 with 30 mins played. The Kiwi's were now attacking with pace and width and some excellent defensive work by Ben Moore and Stu Knight at fullback, continually making light work of the underfoot conditions to relieve the pressure with some excellent clearance kicks.

The half came to a close, and the teams stayed out on the pitch whilst Coaches Worrall and Taylor identified areas that the RAF team needed to work harder at. The second half began with the dominant RAF pack putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the home sides pack. Blewitt and Evans were prominent with the ball in hand and Flammia at centre was making good in roads into the heart of the home sides midfied. After a good break in midfield, the RAF increased the pressure and after three attacking 5m scrums, it was No 8 Blewitt who got on the score sheet again with a great try off the back of the scrum. The conversion was made by fly half Jones and the score was now 17-3 to the visitors.

The game was then complicated by a tremendous downpour which coincided with the Kiwis attacking the visitors line. After numerous attacks, the home side were desperate for a score to get them back in the game, but the RAF pack held the Kiwis and some superb defence by the whole team kept the line intact. Then came the try that sealed the game for the visitors, turnover ball deep inside the visitors 22 gave the forwards the opportunity to advance into the stiff breeze and driving rain. Initially after keeping it tight, Blewitt suddenly burst out of a tackle and offloaded to the supporting Gunning at scrum half, he fed the ball to Gardener who's off load was gathered by Wood, he broke out and the ball was quickly moved into the flying wings hands of John Porter, who sped up the left wing and outran the covering defence and dotted down in the left hand corner. A superb counter attack and some exquisite handling in awful conditions epitomised the teamwork that has been generated by this team. The conversion was missed and with the game drawing to a close, it was again the RAF forwards, dominant throughtout who closed down the game.

A 22-3 victory, with 4 great tries in dreadful conditions, sealed the victory with handshakes all round. Both teams should be credited on a great game infront of an appreciative crowd.

The teams were then hosted at the All Ranks Sports Club, and after the post match formalities, both sets of players headed off into Auckland for a great night, accompanied by some excellent singing on the 45 min bus journey down to the centre of the city.

Pete and I have been impressed with captain Steve Greens work, and the whole attitude of the squad and support staff. We have been hosted well, and the players have responded positively in one of the most testing environments of rugby. We all are looking forward to the next fixture, where we are aiming for a two test victory (Steve Worrall)

The tour has now moved south to Hamilton and Rotorua for the weekend, report to follow.

Shaun Hesmondhalgh

Players' Manager

PLAYERS' MANAGER - NEWS IN BRIEF 6 MAY 2009

With the Inter Service Competition 2009 now a fading memory the RAFRU Senior Squad departed the UK this weekend and travelled to New Zealand to play a two test series against the RNZAF. Flight Lieutenant Peter Taylor provides details on the early days of the tour.

RAFRU Senior Squad - New Zealand Tour

Day 2

Tour Report 'The squad arrived on Tuesday safe and sound after the long journey (Chalk 1 arrived late Monday night and Chalk 2 lunchtime Tuesday). Tuesday was all about getting the journey out of the legs - a 13 - 3 T&P thrashing given to the backs by the forwards (better luck next time Barrel!). After the afternoon training session the Squad were met and introduced to the RNZAF Whenuapai base commander Wg Cdr Richard Marshall. The lads were eager to get into Auckland for a look around, so after a couple of beers the boys jumped into the transport (kindly provided by the Kiwi's) and headed into Auckland. It was soon clear that the guys from Chalk 2 were far too jet lagged to manage more than a hour or so in town so therefore the Squad returned to base soon after getting into Auckland and an early night was had by all. Wednesday (today) has all been about preparing to play the RNZAF rugby team tomorrow. The training went well and after 2 sessions Barrel and I were happy that the boys were prepared for the big game tomorrow (2 more games of T&P and 2 more easy wins for the forwards - Barrel was now a emotional wreck). Tonight the Squad are all heading off for a game of 10 Pin Bowling and minds are all totally focussed on the game tomorrow.

1st Test Side announced:

1. R James

2. I Gilmour

3. C Evans

4. M Wood

5. S Green (Capt)

6. D Kennedy

7. M Cornish

8. A Blewitt

9. R Gunning

10. S Jones

11. B Moore.

12. A Flammia

13. T Gardner

14. J Porter.

15. S Knight

16. J Avasian

17. J Morgan

18. D Freeman

19. I Downsborough

20. J Mountfield

21. A Boe

Well, time to go now and get some tea, a great start to the tour and so much to look forward to. Steve Green has taken the 'Tour Captaincy' responsibilities well and every member of the squad is totally aware of how lucky we all are to be over here representing the RAFRU. (Peter Taylor)

More news and results to follow.

Shaun Hesmondhalgh Players' Manager