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It was a tough loss for the Red Lions, who were punished by a physical Lithuanian team for their ill discipline and defensive lapses. While they tried to implement their fast-paced rugby and showed glimpses of their potential, it ultimately wasn't enough to secure a win.
The game started off in frantic fashion with lots of kicking from both sides trying to gain control of the territorial battle. A few individual mistakes meant the Lithuanians found themselves in the opposing half and were able to convert a penalty early on, making it 3-0.
However, following this Luxembourg started to show their ability to spread the ball at pace, stretching the opposition’s defense and showing they were more than capable of challenging the Lithuanian side. They proved it when Fintan Lawlor successfully slotted a penalty after missing an earlier attempt from distance.
With the score tied at 3-3, the Lithuanians cranked up the intensity, pressing Luxembourg's defense deep into their 22. Despite the relentless pressure and Lithuania looking to score a try. Luxembourg held strong, ultimately conceding only a penalty, pushing Lithuania ahead 6-3.
Following the kick-off, a kicking exchange ensued, with the ball landing in the hands of full-back Yared Ketema. He launched a precise up-and-under that the Lithuanian full-back, under heavy pressure, couldn’t handle, spilling the ball. Fintan Lawlor was quick to react, scooping it up, beating a defender, and diving under the posts for a try. He then converted his own effort, putting Luxembourg up 10-6.
Unfortunately, Luxembourg’s lead was short-lived as they conceded penalties, allowing the Lithuanians to gain valuable field position. Displaying that they are not just all about brute strength, their backs spread the ball from side to side, dragging the Luxembourg defence out of position and leaving holes out wide which they exploited and scored in the corner. The conversion was well taken and they restored their lead, 13-10.
With only four minutes remaining in the first half Luxembourg were dealt a heavy blow, as the Lithuanian 13 pierced through an onrushing defence making tremendous ground and popping the ball inside to his support, who then ran the ball under the posts. Once again, the Lithuanian kicker converted bringing the scores to 20-10 as the referee blew the half-time whistle.
A first half with neither side able to dominate and the game very much in the balance.
Second Half
The second half started in similar fashion with lots of penalties and a few handling mistakes from both sides. Luxembourg were given a yellow card as John Fitzpatrick contested a high ball and inadvertently took the opponent out in the air. The Lithuanians took the opportunity by kicking and increased their lead to 23-10.
Luxembourg were quick to reply as the ball was very well jackled by Anton Agassi resulting in a penalty to Luxembourg which was nicely converted by Lawlor to make it 23-13. The momentum was in Luxembourg’s favour, dominating possession and applying pressure on the Lithuanians, testing their defence. However, individual mistakes meant the Lithuanians were able to escape and kicked away the ball. Once again, a penalty against the Red Lions meant Lithuania’s kicker was given the opportunity to increase their lead, which he did. 26-13.
Things went from bad to worse as Christian Olsen was given a soft yellow card for a tip tackle. The Lithuanians smelt blood and opted to scrum instead of kick. Their 8 picked at the base of the scrum and was able to run through despite being surrounded by four Luxembourgish players. Once tackled, the Lithuanians spread the ball out wide, with one back missing there was plenty of space and another soft tackle meant they were easily able to break the line and score under the posts. The kicker continued his excellent form and the score was now 33-13.
Despite being down to 14 men, Luxembourg showed what they are all about with some free-flowing rugby following a quick penalty where Yared Ketema made good ground passing the ball to Guillaume Kimmel who immediately popped it back inside to Noe Tropiano. The youngster was able to run the ball all the way to the try line and score a very good try. Lawlor converted, giving the team some hope with the scores at 33-20.
This hope was quashed as more penalties resulted in the Lithuanian forwards flexing their muscles and bulldozing their way over the line to score. This process was then repeated as they dominated the scrum and their 8 powered his way over the line. The score ended 47-20, a disappointing result for Luxembourg.
It was Luxembourg’s first match back in the Rugby Trophy, and there is much they can learn from this opening test. Pre-match injuries left them without key players, but hopefully, they’ll be back for the upcoming game against Croatia on November 30 at the Stade de Luxembourg. With plenty of talent in this team, Luxembourg are poised to come back stronger in the next game!
Following the match captain Christian Olsen said: “It was a tough one today. We showed in terms of physicality and skill we belong in this competition. What we lack is composure to capitalise in the opportune moments, and concede too many penalties in the important moments. We need to make sure we capitalise on opposition mistakes and reduce the amount we make.”
Sweden beat the Czech Republic 22-16 in the other game in the Rugby Trophy. You can see the full table here.
Back in Luxembourg, Rugby Club Luxembourg played their first home game at the Josy Barthel and came away with a great 21-15 victory against RG Heidelberg in the 1. Bundesliga, despite missing several key players who were in the national team squad.
