THE Cyprus national rugby side opened their 2012-2013 European campaign with a trip to Vienna to play Austria with a below-strength side but still left with a comfortable victory having beaten the home side 54-20.
Moufflons coach Paul Shanks said: “This was our first venture into a new level of competition and the lads were well prepared and extremely focused, perhaps the best I have seen for some time. We came away with a comfortable win but are in no doubt that we face some redoubtable teams in this division. We have made a good start but will need to improve if we are to top the division. The team will make haste slowly, if you know what I mean.”
Cyprus left the field at half-time with 34 points on the board against Austria’s 15. First score was to the back row stalwart Chris Thoma from a line-out move and more tries followed by Holden, Thrasivoulou and Efthymiou.
The match continued in a similar vein in the second half with the Cypriot backs carving into the opposition and leaving the field amassing an impressive 54 points.
Austrian coach Carl Mousyet claimed he was satisfied with his side’s performance given the standard of the opposition, saying: “Cyprus have at least three players who could easily play professional rugby. We are familiar with some French second division sides and these Cypriots were better. They were incredibly fast, strong and agile and are the strongest opponents we have played since facing Germany.”
Laurence Vasilliades, president of the Cyprus Rugby Federation wasn’t getting carried away: “This is a very good start to the season but we must take each game on its merits – slowly, slowly. I have every confidence in our coaching staff and know that they will bring the team to our next match in December in prime condition and fully prepared mentally and physically”.
http://www.cyprus-mail.com/sport/beaten-austria-shower-moufflons-praise/20121119
rugbyredefined.wordpress.com 