UMNO NZ Cup, the annual rugby test match among Malaysian students in New Zealand, returned this year with more exciting stories. The 2009 campaign was held on 8th July 2009, on the 3rd day of 2009 Bersatu Games at the Massey University Rugby Club, Palmerston North. Just into its second year, the organisers and participants of the Tri-Region competition involving Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch strongly believed that the tournament has achieved its goals and objectives which are to provide a platform for Malaysia students to unite and compete in rugby as to be part of the New Zealand culture.
The first game between tournament favourites, Auckland Tigers and Wellington Lions kick started with high intensity since both teams came into the tournament with a winning mentality after narrowly losing last year. The Lions were definitely the better team in terms of physique built after fielding six big unit players. However, the Tigers surprised the spectators by scoring the first try right under the post after the Lions failed to secure the ball from the kick off in the early minutes. Despite the scrambled start, the Lions found their composure and equalised just before the end of 1st half. Second half continued with the Lions overturning the rucks and scrums, punishing the lack of experience of the Auckland team. Despite dominating the breakdowns, the Lions managed to score just one more try, thus winning the game 10-7.
Following that, the Tigers took on last year’s champions, Christchurch, playing two games back-to-back. Despite losing a few key players due to injury sustained during the Bersatu Games, Christchurch managed to secure their only try after the ball was knocked on by one of the Tigers player. Christchurch made the score 7-0 after the successful conversion. In what seemed to be a more physically equalled match, the Tigers quickly equalised the score line after a try was scored when a cross kick was picked up by one of Tigers player. Just before the end of 2nd half, the Tigers managed to bring the scoreline to 12-7 after a beautiful solo try by one of their forwards.
Due to lack of players in the Christchurch team, the game between Wellington and Christchurch was forfeited. The organisers decided that the cup winner will be decided in a final match between Auckland Tigers and Wellington Lions. After a 10 minute break, the final match kicked off. The Tigers, a more composed team now, started to get hold of the game by totally dominating the lineouts and winning some breakdowns. Thus, they were able to move the ball more quickly to their backline, attacking their opponents’ lack of pace. Despite that, the Lions exploited the Tigers lack of experience and their superiority in forward play, to score one try thus winning the UMNO NZ Cup 2009. The final score was 5-0.
The referee of the tournament, Mr Gerald Lologa, coach of Manawatu Turbo Rugby team was excited and honoured to be the official for the game. He said the tournament totally changed his perception about Asians’ participation in rugby. He said the matches were very physical and admits there is a bright future for rugby in Malaysia. Overall, the UMNO NZ Cup 2009 was a huge success with both the players and spectators being satisfied and entertained.
