Post-game notes from Halifax

Some post-game notes from the sidelines in Halifax, injury updates, and a few words from the head coach Kieran Crowley and attack coach Leo Crowley.

WHITE JERSEYS ALL AROUND

It was a little strange to see both sides wearing white jerseys, and it was certainly not something that was intended. Evidently the potential clash of (non)colours wasn’t apparent to officials until about 90 minutes before kickoff, as somehow this detail was overlooked by the staff of both sides during the week. This led to some confusing viewing, but thankfully Glasgow had enough blue splashed on their jersey to give the match officials and spectators something to make out which team was which.

THE FIELD AND ATTENDANCE

After all the mess in the buildup, some credit has to go to the organizers for literally building an full international-size pitch with stands, VIP tents, and camera all the trimmings. The announced attendance was 4,812 and there might have been a couple more on top of that. Most people noted that the field looked far better than anything they could have achieved at Wanderers Grounds, which of course begs the question why they chose that location in the first place.

The game itself, jerseys aside, went through without a hiccup, and the crowd were engaged and certainly entertained. Post-match the players of both sides remained for the best part of an hour signing autographs and taking pictures. Josh Strauss was a favourite from the Glasgow side, while Jamie Cudmore and Jebb Sinclair seemed to have the most attention of the Canadians.

In speaking to some players, they were all very complimentary of the fans and didn’t seem too bothered by the hullabaloo during the week. A couple mentioned that the reception they had been given was as good as anything they had encountered on the west coast. A bit of a challenge thrown down perhaps?

MUCH-NEEDED WIN

The players of course were ecstatic to get a win on home soil after a dreadful run of results. The coaches were also pleased, albeit notably more reserved. The defense was an area Kieran Crowley was particularly happy with after working on on it in practice during the week.

KC: “Glasgow won the Guinness Pro 12, they’re a strong side, so we’re really pleased, obviously, with the win. I thought the defensive effort was really good. They were in our end for most of the second half so to only concede the one try is pleasing.”

THE DTH TRY

It was great to see DTH van der Merwe get on the scoreboard against his former clubmates, but even more impressive was that the try came with Evan Olmstead in the bin. Instead of fading in the closing minutes of the match, Canada dug in, got out of their own end, stuck with the system and the phases brought the try. Both Leo and Kieran made note of that.

LC: “We defended well for much of the second half, finally got our hands on the ball and the boys got over in the corner. I think that’s a big positive, a key talking point from the game.”

KC: “We didn’t get out of our half much in the second half, but we were able to put the pressure back on. We had a bit of ball, and showed what happens when you actually get the ball. I’m just happy for the boys that they got over the line.”

ON BALL CONTROL ISSUES

The attack looked improved in the first half but there were still a lot of unforced errors and problems keeping hold of the ball. Again both coaches agreed it was an area that needs improvement.

LC: “The last couple weeks we’ve got better. We’ve just got to keep working on it, have patience. We need to tighten up our ball control, but we’re getting better every week.”

KC: “It was a lot better than what is has been. That’s been our biggest focus. I thought we were a little bit slow reacting at the breakdown. I thought they were allowed to lie in there a little bit in the first half, it slowed our ball down and impeded us in the first half. In the second half we didn’t get a lot of ball to attack with so we couldn’t really see it, but it’s definitely an area we need to work on.”

INJURY UPDATES

Before the game the coaches said they intended to get a half out of Jamie Cudmore and 25-30 minutes out of Jebb Sinclair. They ended up with 40 minutes each, with both showing the physical presence the lineup has so sorely missed. Sinclair looked to have some heavy legs at points but that’s to be expected.

KC: “It was pleasing to get them back on the field. That was their return to play protocol, half a game each. If it had been a normal situation they possibly would have got longer, we’re managing them to be ready for the World Cup. We’ve got Georgia on Wednesday so we’ll do the same for that game, and see how they go from there.”

A notable absentee from the weekend was Tyler Ardron, who did not make the trip to Halifax with the team. Jason Marshall took part in practice during the week but saw no game time. There was no sign of his knee brace walking around and he’s hopeful of getting on the pitch soon.

KC: “Tyler’s got a little bit of time to go, he’s touch and go for Ireland. If Jason has a good week in training he’ll get some time in the last warm-up against Fiji.”