London, 23 November : The ABSA African Leopards have announced their arrival on the world rugby stage in no uncertain terms with an impressive 20-12 victory over a powerful British Army XV at Aldershot near London.The African Leopards, including international players from 14 countries, held a 10-5 advantage at half-time and thoroughly deserved victory in their first ever match on foreign soil. Tanzanian lock John Lloyd was named as captain of the ABSA Leopards. Lloyd led by example and his first half try after excellent interplay between Meita Bakary from the Ivory Coast amd Mauritius loose-forward Thierry Park laid the foundation for a great performance. Namibian flyhalf Emile Wessels converted the try and later slotted a penalty in windy conditions to give the African side a well deserved 10-0 lead. The British Army responded with a well worked try from their captain and fullback Mal Roberts. The sides turned around with the Leopards leading 10-5 but when Wessels was on target with a second penalty, the newcomers to international rugby looked set to cause a big upset. The Leopards then scored probably one of the most stunning tries even seen at Aldershot. Bakary won the turnover, he sent the outstanding Tunisian flank Yousri Sougir away, the number six offloaded to Moroccan scrumhalf Eziyar Jawad who rounded off scoring next to the uprights. Wessels kicked the conversion to take the Leopards into a 20-5 lead. The British Army rallied late in the match and was awarded a penalty try but this was not enough and the Leopards held on for an historic win. The final whistle signalled the start of celebrations which lasted deep into the early hours of the next day.
“The Leopards were born in Johannesburg last year” said Aziz Bougja, President of the Confederation of African Rugby ” and the team has come to age in England tonight.” an experienced side Army side, including six Fijians as well as Mark Lee, Scotland’s Sevens captain, appeared to be surprised by the complete commitment and skills of the Africans who managed to bond in only two training sessions under the guidance of coaches Brendan Venter and Claude Saurel.
” I am the happiest man tonight ,” said Leopards captain John Lloyd of Tanzania, the second row forward who stormed over to score his team’s first try. ” The rugby world is starting to realise the talent that exists throughout the continent”
Plans are already in the pipeline for the venture to be repeated next year with a three-match tour being looked as an option.
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