The Yale University Rugby Football Club

YALE 7 - Champagnat 24

Yale's first match in Argentina, was played on Sunday March 5th, in hot and humid conditions. Yale, whose pre-tour training had been in colder weather, were to start strong and fade as the hotter climate caught up with their match fitness.

Yale began the game confidently and composed. Kicking off, Yale drove Champagnat deep into their own territory and quickly managed to turn the ball over in their favor. Quick recycling and strong running were to provide Yale with several early scoring chances. Inside center Drew Palin ’06 was to have several breaks but failed to link up with any support players. Unfortunately Yale’s poor ball-handling and finishing were to mean squandered opportunities.

Yale got another chance early through the tactical kicking of flyhalf Rob Smith ’06, who put in a cheeky chip kick into the corner for winger Bobby Cardone ’06. Unfortunately Cardone was forced into touch and Yale left another score off the board.

Champagnat, however, were to gain momentum as the half wore on through their strong scrummaging and forward play. Their run of strong possession would eventually result in the first try of the game, as their forwards combined fluidly eventually mauling over for the score. The ensuing conversion gave the hosts a 7-0 lead.

On the stroke of half time Yale were to get their first score of the match through number eight Sean Walbridge ’08. From a 22-drop out, flyhalf Smith put in a deep drop to open space that was chased by Walbridge. Pouncing on the loose ball Walbridge was able to carry the ball in for the score under the posts. Yale would enter the half tied 7-7.

As the second half wore on, Yale’s fatigue began to show. Unable to dominate the scrums and getting progressively slower to the break down, Yale was starved of possession. Yale again had a couple breaks, but fatigue meant support play was slow and ball carriers grew increasingly isolated. Champagnat, however, began to run the ball with more chemistry and fluidity, resulting to two more scores that would run the score up to 24 – 7.

Despite Yale’s second half fatigue, Yale came away full of confidence. Yale had been able to dominate the lineouts and knew with greater fitness the game was theirs for the taking. Squandered opportunities had let down the side, but with several adjustments and more experience Yale was sure their second tour outing would be more successful.