What can only be described as a disappointing weekend for all Northern Hemisphere teams involved was answered with many promises of retribution to come in the second week, but there was still the feeling that we had heard all of this before…

by Lewis Husbands

Later than expected here is my update on all the rugby as the Summer Tours draw to a close.

It has been an interesting few weeks in which we have seen the rugby world dominated by the Southern Hemisphere teams. One of the first matches was undoubtedly one of most anticipated in which South Africa (the World Cup title holders) were to take on Wales (the 6Nations Grand Slam Champions). In the end South Africa unexpectedly walked away with such a convincing victory it can only be seen as frustrating and embarrassing by new coach Warren Gatland, it did possibly putting a slight smile on many England fan and player however after their opening defeat to Wales in this year 6Nations.

After such performances by Wales this year and talk of their return to greatness many people across Wales including those wearing the jerseys would have fancied their chances but South Africa proved their worth as the deserved titleholders with the satisfying score of South Africa 43 – 17 Wales.

 New Zealand & Ireland had a much closer match, with a half-time score of 8 – 8 there was everything to play for. But by the end New Zealand answered Ireland’s only Try (and two penalties) with 2 tries (one converted and three penalties) to leave the score as New Zealand 21 – 11 Ireland.

That evening Scotland were in Argentina for their (untelevised) International Test match. Despite Scotland being first to get points on the board, by way of Chris Patterson (astutely dubbed “the Kicking King”)’s boot, Argentina soon equalised and then shortly after made the first try of the match. Patterson’s boot crept up on Argentina to leave a half time score of 10 – 9 to the “Pumas”.

The Scots made a short-lived comeback in the early minutes of the second half (again courtesy of Patterson’s penalties), but two successful penalties for Argentina followed before a final try sealing the deal in the 85^th minute (!)  -thus leaving the score as

Argentina 21 – 15 Scotland.