HSBC Waratahs 2005 Development Tour - Eastern Europe
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The 2005 Gulf Air Development Tour took 30 Waratahs to Bahrain, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia and Greece, encompassing four games that saw the team finish with 230 points for and just 55 against.
Tour captain Shaun Berne took out the honour of claiming the Top Tourist title, awarded by coaching staff and management to the player adjudged to have contributed most both on and off the field.
"Shaun's form was excellent, he scored four tries in three matches and was a handful every time he touched the ball," HSBC Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie said.
"But away from Rugby he was also excellent. He was our public face at press conferences and his interaction with the public both at training and post-match was first class.
The coveted Rookie of the Tour title went to Sydney University flyhalf Daniel Halangahu.
"Definitely the find of the tour," McKenzie said of the talented 21-year old. "His powerful running and instinctive play makes him one to watch for the future.”
Scrumhalf Brett Sheehan followed up his impressive tour form by being named Best Back.
"Brett was the epitome of the Waratah code in every match he played," McKenzie said. "He is tough and honest in everything he does; he plays hard and leads by example.”
Another player to stand up and be counted was the man named Best Forward, lock Will Caldwell.
"This tour was definitely a step up for Will, and we needed him to lead with our second rowers under pressure to perform," McKenzie added.
"Will showed great promise in his performances; he was vice-captain in two games and handled himself well in all facets of the game."
Reflecting on the tour, McKenzie said a number of key objectives had been achieved.
"From a playing perspective, more individuals have now been exposed to the Waratah system and that can only be a positive for the years to come," he said.
"But as we've always said, the development tour is about more than just Rugby. As much as we've tried to get a lot out of it, it was very pleasing to see the countries we've visited benefiting from having us around.
"The playing standard was on the whole pretty strong and the crowds that watched the games were excellent - the excitement was very touching."
Squad
Shaun Berne (Randwick) (Tour Captain), Will Brame (Eastwood), Aaron Broughton-Rouse (Eastwood), Will Caldwell (Sydney University), James Campbell (Manly), Tom Carter (Sydney University), Tim Donnelly (Eastwood), Clint Eadie (Warringah), Tom Egan (Sydney University), Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University), Ben Hand (Eastwood), Peter Hewat (Manly), Josh Holmes (Warringah), Mark Howell (West Harbour), Jonnie Hoy (Randwick), Will Hunt (Norths), Ben Jacobs (Warringah), Alex Kanaar (Sydney University), Salesi Ma'afu (West Harbour), Winston Mafi (Sydney University), Al Manning (Norths), Dean Mumm (Sydney University), Sam Norton-Knight (Vikings), Peter Playford (Sydney University), Benn Robinson (Eastwood), Kingsley Seale (Gordon), Brett Sheehan (Warringah), Chris Siale (West Harbour), Troy Takiari (Easts), Tim Wright (Randwick).
Results
HSBC WARATAHS - 94
Tries: Shaun Berne (3), Clint Eadie (2), Tim Wright (2), Kingsley Seale (2), James Campbell, Chris Siale, Mark Howell, Sam Norton-Knight, Hugh Willoughby
Cons: Peter Hewat (9/11), Daniel Halangahu (3/3)
CZECH REPUBLIC - 3
Pens: 1
Halftime: 52-3 Waratahs
Crowd: 5112
Slavia Athletic Ground, Prague
HSBC WARATAHS - 31
Tries: Will Hunt, Peter Playford, Tom Egan, Clint Eadie, James Campbell
Cons: Tim Donnelly (0/1), Daniel Halangahu (1/2), Clint Eadie (2/2)
ROMANIAN BARBARIANS - 14
Tries: Stelian Burcea, Ioan Teodorescu
Cons: Valentin Calafeteanu (2/2)
Halftime: 12-0 Waratahs
Crowd: 2000 (approx.)
Farul Rugby Stadium, Constanta
HSBC WARATAHS - 58
Tries: Peter Hewat (3), Al Manning (2), Sam Norton-Knight (2), Shaun Berne, Peter Playford
Cons: Peter Hewat (5/9)
Pens: Peter Hewat (1/1)
ROMANIA XV - 20
Tries: Dan Vlad, Marian Butugana
Cons: Danut Dumbrava (2/2)
Pens: Danut Dumbrava (2/2)
Halftime: 26-20 Waratahs
Crowd: 2000 (approx.)
Bucharest, Romania
HSBC WARATAHS - 47
Tries: Josh Holmes (2), Ben Jacobs (2), Will Brame, Sam Norton-Knight, Peter Hewat
Cons: Peter Hewat (6/6), Clint Eadie (0/1)
RUSSIA - 18
Tries: Alexander Chrokin, Alexander Voitov
Cons: Pavel Novikov (1/2)
Pens: Pavel Novikov (2/2)
Halftime: 28-10 NSW
Crowd: 3000 (approx.)
National Stadium, Moscow