So to round 3 of the Rugby Europe Championship 2026. This game had all the possibilities but the history from last years result left you thinking what might happen.
However there was a feeling at the captains run which I couldn’t put my finger on. There was an air of concentration and focus that left you wondering were our boys up for this?
The Netherlands team came out strong and fast with intent. Silencing the Suisse support 2 minutes into the match With a try by the wing Bjorn DOLMAN (11) which was successfully converted a start we didn’t want after 3 minutes. 7 then became 10 as Vikas MEIJER (10) slotted home his 2nd strike of the ball and with 2 points every minute you had to ask where this might go.
Switzerland responded and forced a penalty which captain Jules Porcher (10) slotted confidently. With the score standing at 3-13 after the first 20 minutes and the 1800 Suisse crowd showing their support, drums leading the shout of Hopp Schwiiz.
Hard fought attack and strong defence started to show and on the stroke of 25 minutes Cyril FLUCKIGER capitalised with Switzerlands 1st try, 8 – 13.
Following a yellow card for a challenge on a player in the air by the dutch captain Mees Geert VOETS. Switzerland continuosly battered at the Netherlands line until the door opened and the referee singled the try. Nicolas MOUSTIES emerged from next to the posts taking Switzerland into the lead for Half time 15- 13.
You felt and heard it around the ground an atmosphere that was lifting the Suisse players. Could history be made today?
Second Half
The Netherlands came out after the break with a fresh step, and retook the lead within the first minute 15 – 16 with a well struck penalty from their captain Vikas MEIJER.
With substitutions made on both sides the Netherlands struck again to stretch their lead 15 -23. Was the dream of a home semi-final disappearing along with the first win of the Rugby Europe Championship 2026?
Despite only 39% of possession according to the stats, the ball was chipped through for Lucas SCHMID to chase it down putting pressure on the dutch player who made enough of a mistake for Switzerland and Lucas to capitalise 22 -23!
Once again the Netherlands built pressure resulting in what we all thought might be a kick to the corner but the Netherlands opted for the penalty kick.
The faithful boot of the Netherlands captain pulled it left leaving the door ajar for Switzerland.
A yellow card left the Netherlands without their kicker Vikas MEIJER with 8 minutes remaining.
Johnatan Dallet wanted one more say. On the stroke of 75 minutes his try took Switzerland into the lead which was then stretched to 6 points by Willy Gonnet.
We all waited though as in the build up Jules Porcher picked up a knock and was taken off to be checked. 4 minutes 30 seconds remained……..
Switzerland held their line even having a player yellow carded for offside, 14 a-side it was.
The Netherlands worked the ball to under the posts 1m to go, the Suisse wall held firm. Then the ball was put wide the nerves twitched as it went through the hands. Cyril FLUCKIGER put in a great defensive tackle rolling the Netherlands player with support from Thomas COIGNAT the ball was held up! 81 minutes on the clock the referee went to the TMO for confirmation it was not a try.
The discussion within the photographers was try or no try?
Referee Diogo MIRANDA came back from the review, 81 minutes were on the clock.
He signaled to the captains the ball was held up. In that moment vice captain Samuel SJOBERG repeated the signal to the team. The final whistle went and victory was Switzerlands, 29 -23!
Light the touch paper as the celebrations started.
It is hard to put into words having watched through the lens seeing the boys work hard in training and commit themselves to the Rugby Europe Championship campaign.
I sit here now knowing we have just secured a home draw in the semi finals weekend of 7th March.
See you there, Hopp Scheiiz!!