The South African Rugby League (SARL) national team, The Rhinos, recently began their Tri-Nations campaign against Niue.<\/p>\n
The match, which was played in Pretoria, started on a high for the Rhinos when they scored the first try in the opening two minutes.<\/p>
The team continued their powerful opening campaign, defending the visitors\u2019 attacks and scoring yet another try, bringing their lead to 12-0.<\/p>\n
However, a poor kick from the Rhinos opened the door for the visitors and they were able to put some points on the scoreboard.<\/p>
The first half continued at an intense pace, with great tries from both sides.<\/p>\n
Towards the end of the half a yellow card was given to a Niue player, after he hit Ronald Botes in the face during a confrontation.<\/p>\n
The Rhinos took advantage of having an extra man on the field and scored another try before the half-time whistle.<\/p>\n
The determined Rhinos headed into the second half, with Niue in the lead by 10 points, but the team was ready to chase the score.<\/p>\n
The match continued at its fast pace, with the visitors\u2019 experience and skill coming to the forefront.<\/p>\n
Despite several more tries from the Rhinos, Niue scored three tries in succession in the closing 10 minutes of the match.<\/p>\n
The game went to Niue with the final score at 50-22.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter the match we had the chance to bond with the team from Niue.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great opportunity and we look forward to playing against them again,\u201d said Andries van der Merwe, on behalf of the Rhinos.<\/p>\n
The second match will also be played against Niue, as the team from Lebanon had to withdraw, due to a lack of funds.<\/p>\n
The Rhinos are now preparing for the next match, working on their defensive structures and other areas of their game play that they feel were lacking in this clash.<\/p>\n
Other articles you may be interested in:<\/strong><\/p>\n Rhinos to tackle Tri-Nations<\/a><\/p>\n Become part of the rugby league action<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n