South Africa�s Impala outplay Vultures
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday June 6, 2017 15:50
The lazy winter sun did not lift the spirits of the few Vultures supporters who came to witness the highly-anticipated clash between the two sides. The game was part of the national team’s preparations for the Africa Confederations Cup to be played in Morocco next month. Vultures were outplayed from the first whistle.
With 10 minutes played, Impala were already two tries ahead although Vultures coordinated a number of moves. But that mattered little as the final product was missing.
Impala extended their lead to 19-0 after a brilliant run by fly half, Francois van Biljon in the 15th minute. Vultures tried to penetrate the Impala backline but it proved rock solid. Ketshidile Matenanga, who was playing as a blindside flank, tried to make a run for a try only to be brought down along the 22 metre line.
Van Biljon continued punishing the Vultures as he got another try in the 22nd minute to extend the lead to 24-0. In addition to their physical disadvantage, Vultures were sloppy, missing chances and off the pace.
The situation was music to the ears of Impala as they took full advantage to end the first half leading 38-0.
The scoring party continued in the second half with right wing, Jaco Fourie getting a try to take the lead to 43-0 in favour of Impala. Thabang Moepi scored a try for Vultures after a defensive blunder by the visitors to reduce the deficit to 43-7.
It was a deserved try as Moepi was authoritative the entire match.
A few minutes later, Impala showed their ball handling skills, playing the ball across the field, moving forward, with Jano Espag, playing as a hooker, punishing Vultures to make it 50-7. Keorapetse Phenyo was able to get another try for the Vultures to tickle the scoreline to 64-12. The visitors continued showing their dominance in the field and finished the match 69-12 winners after a try by Kurshwill Williams. Vultures assistant coach, Sean Irish told Mmegi Sport that their opponents, Impala, are one of the best teams on the continent. He said they got punished for their mistakes. Irish said despite the loss, Vultures have the pace and talent.
“We are going to play against physical teams during the Africa Cup, but we have proven that we are not scared of size. We stood up against them especially the backline that comprised young players. The backline just needs to get in shape and be faster,” he said.
Impala open side flanker, Cornelius Prinsloo said Vultures have to work on their fitness. He said the local side has the talent that can take them forward.
Teams
Impala: Olivier Andries, Jano Espag, Ivann Espag, Marius Breytenbach, Robert Rawlins, Cornelius Prinsloo, Johan Engelbrecht, Leon de Plessis, Nico Kruger, Van Biljon, Peter Viljoen, Gysbert van Wyk, Aubrey McDonald, Jaco Fourie and Xolani Nkosi.
Coach: Nico le Roux.
The Vultures: Katlego Mohutsiwa, Thato Maifala, Shathiso Ntibe, Eddie Ernest, Ronan McCathy, Herbert Nkonjera, Ketshidile Matenanga, Shaun Landsberg, Larona Ramaphane, Tshoganetso Katse, Kitso Matija, Jeremy Babbage, Thabang Moepi, Koorapetse Phenyo and Ishmael Pelaelo.
Coach: Ivor Greaves
Caution: Van Biljon 10th.