Luxembourg 18 - ASUB 0

Weather: 18°. Clouds, no rain

Pitch: Good

Kickoff: 13:30

Spectators: 27

Ref: M. Oberst (*****)

Luxembourg:

Saturday, Luxembourg Cadets started a new adventure and a big challenge of playing for the first time in Belgium Division 1. They couldn’t have a better start. Facing a very good team from ASUB which missed last season play offs only on score difference, Luxembourg controled the game and scored in the right moments to finish with the final score 18-0.

Both teams started nervously, trying to figure out what they were facing. Luxembourg adapted first and slowly began to get some advantage in set pieces and managing some turnovers. On the 8^th minute, from one turnover in ruck, the ball was quickly recycled and Martin Pacaud found the space in ASUB defence to enter and score between the posts. The rest of the first half was spent mostly in the middle field with both teams defending better than they were attacking. Luxembourg was always a little more threatening but the score didn’t change and with Martin converting the try, half time arrived with a deserved 7-0 for Luxembourg.

One could expect ASUB wouldn’t give up easily and would try to come back right from the beginning of second half but Luxembourg had the kickoff and ASUB gave away a penalty for off side after a couple of phases. A clever decision to go for the posts plus the ability of Martin and the score was 10-0 just after one minute.

ASUB fought back and took the game close to Luxembourg’s 22 but they were never in position to score points. From another turnover on the 43^rd minute the ball was superbly handled by the back line all the way close to the opposition 22 and a great support from the 3^rd row set Christian Olsen to the second try. ASUB seemed a little disoriented and Luxembourg was now dominant everywhere but unable to take more than another penalty converted by Martin on minute 51.

Not wanting to end the game with zero on the score, ASUB managed to find the energy and motivation to spend the last five minutes close to the try line. Luxembourg roll up the sleeves, defended well and the final whistle arrived with the score 18-0.

This was an excellent rugby game with both teams committed and playing in a very good spirit. Luxembourg showed a great personality and displayed an excellent performance with very good rugby. Continuity was great; defence excellent and only small mistake when attacking prevented them of a better score.

Man of the Match: Martin Pacaud