Game 3 - Catholic University School

Game 3 versus Catholic University School

28 September 2019

Back to our old mates in Dublin, we have been hosted by CUS since the original tour in 2003 and had the opportunity to host them in Townsville in 2012. Knowing fore well that very game in Dublin is going to be a torrid affair coaching staff tried to prepare the team for a tough and gritty game of rugby. With injuries starting to creep into the squad and sickness levelling others our depth was challenged.

Losing the toss, IPC was forced to run up hill and against a strong breeze in the first half – something they struggled with, starting very sluggishly. IPC, while not lacking effort across the field, failed to fall into their shape and were stalled at the breakdown on several occasions, giving away soft turnovers due to lack of support. This was also couple with not getting off the line quick enough and maintaining their spacing in the defensive line.

 With the wind at their backs, CUS capitalised on our mistakes and soon ran in a try which was quickly answered by IPC with one of their own before the half time break. Fighting hard to gain field position against the wind IPC consistently made it hard for themselves by turning the ball over once they had made inroads into CUS territory – only to be punished with the ball being put in behind them on a regular basis.

Half time saw IPC down 7 to 5 and with the lads looking for some guidance from the coaches. Aware of what they needed to do the team was simply guided at half time to weather the storm and ensure that our support and breakdown work was far more aggressive than what it had been in the first half. The second half saw IPC begin to dominate possession but still not take advantage of the wind at their backs. Making it hard work and with CUS willing to mix it up IPC scored another converted try along with CUS who scored one of their own.

With only a couple of minutes left on the clock and with CUS leading 14 to 12 IPC needed to stick to their guns and trust in the systems and their mates on the field. Banging a long kick into the corner IPC managed to string several phases together before gaining a scrum on the opposition’s 22m. Winning the scrum the forwards went to work, taking the ball up the middle until it was finally released to the backs who scored a final and game winning try in the right hand corner – IPC eventual victors, 17 to 14.

Tries: Nic Pearce, Asher Guy and Jack Kirkpatrick.

Conversions: Nic Pearce (1)

MVP’s: (3) Asher Guy – (2) Zac Thomson – (1) Terrence Rooney