So it’s been tough to follow and photograph Switzerland this season, following their promotion to the Rugby Europe championship. I have often found my self the sole photographer one end of the pitch and today was no exception in Heidelberg. It was me verse 6 expectant local photographers.
However Switzerland wanted to prove a point and spoil the party, which they did.
Never before has a team been promoted from the Rugby Europe trophy into the championship and not come last.
Today this photographer was lifted by the team and their union.
From that huge loss to Georgia and the Georgian budget that would fund the Swiss federation for more than a year at all levels. To the game attended by 4500 enthusiastic Swiss in Yverdon verse Spain. Switzerland have progressed and showed their true colours.
We have reached a new pinnacle in Swiss rugby.
The players dug deep and came from behind to draw the score level with less than 5 minutes to go 17 – 17. Then they risked everything running from deep probing and advanced to within goal distance, the clock in the red.
This cameraman was then caught out! Just like 2003 and Jonny Wilkinson with the last minute drop goal in that world cup final, the ball was sweetly struck and slotted between the posts, the referees arm lifted and signalled the 3 points 17 -20.
There could not be much time left? That was then quickly followed by the full time whistle! What a finish, you could not have written it. We came with hope and left with the win and history.
