Rugby Union: Swansea's speed conquers Castres

Clem Thomas
Wednesday 06 December 1995 00:02 GMT
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Swansea 22 Castres 10

Swansea became the first club to clinch a European Cup semi-final place when they edged out the French club Castres at St Helen's. Needing a six- point winning margin to win the pool, Swansea survived a late scare to earn an away tie at either Toulouse or Treviso.

It could only be described as a torrid game in which Castres were virtually refereed out of the game as they got on the wrong end of almost every single decision.

Swansea however, were in fine fettle and won this game substantially as their pace on to the loose ball was astonishingly fast. They were up against a powerful pack, but the Swansea forwards took not a step backwards, and kept throwing themselves forward in a far more disciplined manner than the French.

Swansea began splendidly with Robert Jones wheeling away from the midfield scrum after the abortive kick-off. Six passes later Swansea were halted, but the Castres midfield were offside and Aled Williams kicked a morale- boosting penalty. He followed it with another some five minutes later and yet another after an attack up the middle again saw Castres killing a ruck and Swansea were into a nine-point lead after 15 minutes.

But the next Swansea score was psychologically more important. Andy Moore won a line-out, his long pass to Mark Taylor spread the defence and Alan Harris, steaming infield from the right wing, rocketed over for a try.

Swansea were now exerting huge pressure and playing at a speed that was too fast for Castres. However, a couple of good rolling mauls and a chip to the right corner saw Swansea making a hash of their clearance and winger Jean-Marc Aue got over in the corner for a try, magnificently converted by Cyril Savy.

Then, just on half-time, Garin Jenkins bolted away from a line-out 15 yards out for an unconverted try to make it 19-7.

Early in the second half we had a milestone when Castres were awarded their first penalty after Swansea had been awarded 15. Matters were also getting pretty nasty in the front row, as Castres kept popping up the scrum. It came as no surprise when finally there was a huge punch-up between the forwards.

Swansea increased their lead to 22-7 with a fourth Williams penalty and then the replacement lock, Guy Jeannard, was sent off after being on the field for just two minutes.

However, Savy kicked a penalty to cut the gap to just 12 points. Castres crossed the Swansea line, but were called back and the home side just survived in a frantic finish.

Swansea: A Flowers; A Harris, D Weatherley, M Taylor, Simon Davies; A Williams, Robert Jones; K Colclough, G Jenkins, C Anthony, A Moore, S Moore, A Reynolds, R Appleyard, Stuart Davies (capt).

Castres: C Savy; J-M Aue, A Hyardet, N Combes, P Garrigue; F Rui, F Seguier (capt); S Bristow, C Urios, T Laforgue, T Bourdet, J-F Gourragne, G Pages, N Hallinger, A Cigagnia. Replacement: G Jeannard for Gourragne (64).

Referee: C Muir (Scottish RU)

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