Five out of five match wins, a handful of kangaroo selfies and a whole lot of celebrating later, the Yorkshire Terriers RUFC’s Australia and Hong Kong 2015 rugby tour has almost come to an end. How fast did that go by?
After being victorious in all five matches against high-grade Australian opposition, it’s time to reflect on what the team achieved. Forwards Coach, John Cole, shares his thoughts on the final match against Melbourne Harlequins Colts with tour courier and Nuneaton RFC player, Todd Bullions.
TB: You were proud of your team last week. How proud are you now they’ve gone 5/5?
JC: As a team group we are all extremely proud of the achievements of the squad of players who have managed to win all five games on tour. The players have worked hard for an extended period and their hard work and attention to individual/team improvement has now paid off. To visit Australia, a sound rugby country, and win in the manner we did is very satisfying. It just makes all the hard work worthwhile.
TB: You created a lot of opportunities out there last night. Is that all the hard work paying off?
JC: That’s true, we did create a lot of opportunities in our last game and scored some very good tries. This linked back to the video analysis sessions where as a group we identified that we were improving each game, and making numerous chances, but we didn’t finish these chances well enough.
Prior to the last game we said that if we play to our potential and finish our chances we would beat the Melbourne Harlequins. That’s exactly what we did. The score line on the night is the reward for the tour group’s attitude and commitment.
TB: Be honest, at half time last night what were you thinking?
JC: For the second half we had the elements behind us. As a group we discussed that we should kick deep and force them into mistakes in their 22 through our clinical and aggressive defence. I just emphasized the need to keep the pressure on them and then we will get the ball back. Once this happens we then need to be clinical and make the most of our opportunities.
The final score reflects our dominance in all areas of the game. However, the most pleasing was the pace we played at which led to some superb tries, some from deep in our own half.
TB: A lot of young players out there last night. Is the future bright for Yorkshire rugby?
JC: This group of players was selected across several clubs, and on paper and individually it was a very strong squad. The beauty of this group was that we have 32 players. All of which could and did select against strong opposition and the chances had little or no effect such as the strength of the playing squad.
All of the players have developed on this tour, from the most experienced all the way through to the youngest members who always develop very well on a Terriers Tour.
Many of the players will be available for Under 20s and Senior Selection next season, and will continue within our development as rugby players to strengthen the county and their own clubs.
The future of Yorkshire rugby certainly does look bright and this tour is proof that we have some talent in the Yorkshire region.
Want to see what the Terriers got up to in between their matches? Check out our #TerriersTour blog!