Game v San Francisco Golden Gate

Apologies for the delay in posting on the final game of the tour. A combination of exhuberant celebrating, a long shopping list and family duties on return to NZ meant this was a bit late in going to press.

The game against the US Super League Champions San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club kicked off at 1.00pm on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay.

Straight away, the team knew that this was going to be a different kettle of fish compared to the first two games of the tour. SFGG were made up of some big boys with a fairly liberal sprinkling of ex-pat New Zealanders and Pacific Islanders.

The competition at the collision area was fierce with both teams flying into contact, not always legally. NZU were on the wrong end of a number of penalties early on and consequently were under pressure for the opening stanza.

However, once NZU maintained their composure, their superior speed and back play paid dividends. With Nick Annear running the ship extremely well at 9, NZU began to exert pressure on SFGG with immediate results. Tries to Peter Butterworth, Niki Dow and a brace for Mat Gordon meant that NZU lead 22 - 5 at half time.

In the second half, SFGG again started strongly and pulled within 8 points with the score at 27 - 19 after Guy Schwikkard scythed through the SFGG defence on an angled run. NZU's superior fitness told in the end with Mat Gordon snaffling an attempted chip kick and running the ball in from halfway. Gareth Pottinger crossed late in the game in the left hand corner to end the scoring.
Final Score: 39-19.
Matt Martin scaring the locals
Josh Prendergast lays down the challenge
The backline on it's way