For what is believed to be the first time in University of Canterbury Rugby history a colts team has played Auckland University RFC (well, in fact we sent two).
On 23-24 March 2024 we sent two colts teams to Auckland to play against their under 85kg open team (Varsity Slug Collectors) and their colts side.
The first game against the Slugs saw a tight battle with the Battlesnakes (UC Colts B), with multiple opportunities for teams to come away with the win. The slight age disparity meant that the Slugs were strong with ball in hand, but the unweighted colts team had them at maul time. The Slugs managed to get over the line with the win 20 – 12.
In the main game the Vipers were taking on AURFC Colts. The Vipers sent a pretty strong team up to Auckland, with clear intent on winning the inaugural game, after UC had suffered defeat to AURFC premiers for a couple of years. The Vipers started strong and went out to a 14 – 0 lead with 30 mins up. A couple of quick tries to the Vipers from ranging locks (Lachy Dawe & Xavier Tracey) meant we went in to half time 33 – 5 up. Coach Tim Belcher asked for continued high standards in the second half and with some fresh legs to come on the team were able to hold Auckland to no more points and extend their lead to finish on 48 – 5. A great win for the Vipers.
Check out footage of the games on the AURFC Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/aurfc1
Here’s to more exchanges between the two clubs in the years to come.
University of Canterbury Rugby Football Club 