For Immediate Release
August 8 2009
U.S. All-Americans Fall 59-3 to South Africa Universities, Finish Tour 1-3 Overall
CAPE TOWN, South Africa—The 2009 Collegiate All-Americans, presented by USA Sevens, LLC, played another strong South Africa Universities national side today at Newlands Stadium, falling to the home team for the second time in four days with only a slightly improved result of 59-3.
Serving as the curtain-raiser for the South Africa vs. Australia Tri-Nations game this was a perfect opportunity for the All-Americans to prove their improved standards and development against a foe that undoubtedly held the advantage.
It was largely a tale of two halves with the All-Americans coming out strong in the first half to the disappointment of the South Africa side.
The Universities side was fractured and had a hard time building phases together against the much improved All-American defense. But it was the speed of the South Africa side that led to the first half point tally.
On numerous occasions the All-Americans were pressing the South African defense, but some untimely turnovers would lead to the Universities line breaks and eventual tries.
The All-Americans’ lone points came from a 10 meter Keegan Englebrecht penalty goal in the early moments of the game. But given the play of the first half the All-Americans would rue the missed scoring opportunities that were left on the table.
Still a 25-3 half time score flattered the home side significantly.
With a number of key substitutions for the South Africans and some obvious stiff words, the Universities team came out looking for redemption in the second.
Despite the best efforts of the All-Americans, the South Africans were able to string more phases together and move the ball to space in the second half. Doing so led to six second half tries and a 59-3 final score. However, the All-Americans will look back on an improved performance and a memorable opportunity to develop their game on one of rugby’s biggest stages, Newlands Stadium.
“We came in with a high regard for the South African team,” head coach Alex Magleby said, “And we felt we could front up to them better than we did on Wednesday night. After review, I think we did that. The boys played hard and are going home with a stronger foundation, confidence and vision for their future rugby careers.”
The All-Americans conclude their 2009 South Africa Tour with their heads held high and more experience under their belts as they continue to chase down their goals of development and improvement.
The team travels immediately to the airport and the players will travel back to the respective hometowns from there.
The All-American program will continue to offer news and updates on the continued development of the players, future fixtures, etc. on www.twitter.com/aarugby throughout the year.
South Africa Universities 59, U.S. All Americans 3
All Americans:
Penalty: Englebrecht
All American Team:
1. Mike Shephard (Mike Su’a in @ 24 – Blood); 2. Joey Brown (Nardus Wessels in @
58); 3. Ross Silverman (Mike Su’a in @ 66); 4. Cameron Dolan (Casey Rock in @ 34); 5. Chris Parker; 6. Paul Bester (Tom Pasque in @ 40); 7.Eddie McKenna; 8. Steve St. Pierre; 9. Benny Matealonia (Dylan Lubbe in @ 65); 10. Keegan Englebrecht; 11. Dustin Muhn; 12. Hunter Leland (Alex Ross in @ 47); 13. Duncan Kelm; 14. Blaine Scully; 15. Colin Hawley.