Switzerland vs Ukraine – Utogrund Stadium, Zurich 13th April 2024
The score of this game does not reflect the gritty determined never give up attitude of the Ukrainian side who ran hard with their captain Vitalli Orlov leading by example. There were a couple of times they could have opted for the 3 points from a penalty but they wanted the try. Switzerland though stood their ground and defended not giving an inch.
Defence soon turned to attack and from the set piece and loose play Switzerland broke the Ukrainian side down finding holes in their defence allowing them to exploit space and score. The second of which came from Switzerland’s Captain Cyril Lin on his 49th Swiss cap and 9th victory in a row over the last 2 years.
This photographer is hoping to photograph that 50th Cap a special moment in any players career!
Switzerland led 40 – 0 at half time with only 1 of the 6 conversions missed. Ukraine continued to battle with their big forwards carrying well but to no avail in the extreme spring heat. At one point it looked like they were going to grab something from this game but a knock on 5m out ended the hope of points. The injuries were accumulating for the visitors and the loss of the front row player meant the scrums were for the last 10 minutes uncontested. Switzerland had now emptied their bench and adding to the tally of points to finish this years Rugby Europe Trophy Champions with a grand slam of 5 victories from 5.
Final score Switzerland 68 Ukraine 0.
Match Stats
‘In rugby we battle on the field and whilst winning is everything in the game and we fight for each other shoulder to shoulder defending like Lions. When that final whistle sounds the battle ends and all players unite side by side to relish in the fight and look forward to the 3rd half, shoulder to shoulder beer in hand (wine for the backs) discussing what might have been if only the referee had seen it!‘
Game are available below for a small cost of a beer for this thirsty photographer who no longer plays but also had a little of the game suffering dehydration under the beating April sun that was in Zurich….
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