© Roland Miny
A thrilling encounter in the Stade de Luxembourg saw Luxembourg score in the last minute to secure a draw (31-31) against Croatia.
It was a highly physical affair, played under the lights and through heavy fog, with the Luxembourg XV putting in a courageous performance against a strong Croatian side.
From kick-off, Luxembourg showed their eagerness with a good chase, putting the Croatians under pressure which ended in a drop ball inside the 22. Luxembourg won a penalty from the resulting scrum, where Lucas Schmitt was alert to his surroundings, taking it quickly and managing to force his way over in the corner after just 3 minutes. A perfectly taken conversion meant Luxembourg took an early 7-0 lead.
The team looked strong in the early stages, benefiting from a few scrum penalties. However, in the 12th minute, Croatia found themselves inside Luxembourg's 5m line. Guillaume Thevenot set the tone for the rest of the game by putting in two consecutive strong tackles, leading to the ball being knocked on.
From there, Luxembourg won two penalties, which allowed them to advance up the pitch. An expertly executed set play saw James Wheeler put Guillaume Kimmel through a gap, and he found himself with plenty of space. As the Croatians closed in on him, Liam Carroll was in support. Still with plenty to do, he brushed off one tackle and swan dived into the corner. For the second time, Fintan Lawlor stepped up and slotted the ball in from out wide. 14-0.
With both teams looking to gain a territorial advantage and make the most of the foggy conditions, there were a few kicking exchanges taking place. Croatia, found themselves in Luxembourg's 22m and despite some valiant defending, their physicality proved too much, eventually forcing their way over from close range. Their kicker missed, so Luxembourg still had a 14-5 lead after 30 minutes.
Straight from the kick-off, the ball was not gathered by the Croatians, and Kai Sweetnam was the first to pounce. In a one-on-one situation, he sidestepped a defender with a burst of speed. Another Croatian defender closed in, but Sweetnam kept his cool, using a powerful hand-off to shake him away and dive over the line in the corner. Once again, Lawlor cooly converted a difficult kick, making it 21-5.
The Croatians responded immediately, finding themselves in the Luxembourg 22. As they had done throughout the game, the Croatian forward pack kept it very tight, and slowly inched their way closer to the try line. Eventually cracking the Luxembourg defence, the Croatians also converted the try, bringing the scores closer at 21-12.
Croatia kept applying pressure and found themselves inside the 22 with a line-out. The team mauled very well and the all-too-familiar sight of pick-and-go's saw them once again forcing their way over the line. They converted, and the score became a lot closer at 21-19. Luxembourg defended their lead with spirit for the remainder of the first half as the Croatians piled on more pressure.
A heroic display
The Croatian side started the second-half the same way they ended the first, and it took them 5 minutes to score. The Croatians once again failed to convert but now led for the first time, 24-21. Due to the relentless pressure, it looked as though it could be a long second-half for the men in blue.
Luxembourg, however, had different plans. They started to implement the style of rugby that we have become accustomed to – fast, expansive and with lots of heart. The physical effort was felt as numerous players had to be subbed off due to injury, but the players that came on from the bench played a pivotal role in maintaining the elevated style of play.
Luxembourg were rewarded for all of their efforts by winning a penalty from over 40m out. Fintan Lawlor took on the responsibility and stepped up to kick at the posts. The ball flew over to level the scores at 24-24.
Unfortunately, Croatia were back up the other end and after yet another line-out maul, they were able to spread the ball and score out wide. This time their kicker was successful, and the Croatians took the lead once again.
What followed was nothing short of pure entertainment. Croatia smelt blood and found themselves in another scoring opportunity with Luxembourg knowing that if they conceded, then it would be game over. With only 5 minutes remaining, the Luxembourg defence held strong and prevented the opposition from scoring on two occasions, in a heroic fashion.
Now in the dying moments of the game, Luxembourg were on the attack. Every player was involved as the ball was spread from side to side, searching for a way through the resilient Croatian defence. Credit must go to Croatia for their immense effort in holding their ground. Eventually, they were forced into conceding a penalty which Luxembourg opted to play quickly through their hands. Phase after phase, Luxembourg looked to clinch a deciding moment.
With the clock already over the 80 minute mark and any mistake resulting in the end of the game, an advantage was awarded to the Luxembourg team. Fintan Lawlor, seized the opportunity and saw space out wide. In a moment that required incredible composure, he cross-kicked the ball out wide. The ball seemed to be in the air for an eternity, but John Fitzpatrick had his wits about him and caught the ball. The crowd erupted as he worked his way under the posts for a critical kick.
Lawlor having hurt himself in the build up, left the kick for Matteo Franzina. Who cool as you like, took one step back and converted to bring the scores level.
Rugby wise, Luxembourg were the much more attractive team to watch and will take many positives from the game. Although they didn't end up getting the victory, they showed tremendous amounts of heart and should be very proud of their 'victorious' performance.
