SMU knocked out of 4-Unis Finals

In Game 2 of the 4-Unis, defending champions SMU were beaten 25-20 in a close encounter with NUS. In a game that was crucial to SMU's title hopes, the City Boys never looked like the dominant force they were supposed to be - going down by one try in the early minutes of the game. The half ended 5-3, with team captain, Amos Siow, slotting one between the posts.

And much was expected from the City Boys, especially when they clawed their way back into the game, even at one point leading the game by 20-5 - courtesy of tries from in-centre, Wang En Jian, and second row, Nicolas Hwang. But in the most dramatic of fashions which included flanker, Ryan Tan, getting sent off, the City Boys threw away their lead eventually falling behind 25-20. The game was set for a dramatic end when winger, Josiah Goh came off the bench and looked to have scored a last gasp try - capitalizing on an NUS error in letting the ball bounce in their try area. The 'try', however, was not given - and when the final whistle sounded, the City Boys were dumped out of the finals.

The City Boys can only groan about a series of 'could-haves' and the loss marks a disappointing season for SMU Rugby - especially after a disastrous showing at SUNIG. The City Boys also have much to think about in terms of discipline, chalking up their 2nd consecutive red card in as many games. SMU plays their final group stage game this Thursday against new tournament entrants - SIM.

Bryan Ng gets 38 weeks

SMU's vice president, Bryan Ng, has been slapped with a 38 week ban for his vulgar outburst at the SMU-NTU match. The former national SEA games winger was previously on probation for his 'eye-gouging' incident at SUNIG 2008, and was faulted for committing an offence while on probation.

The vulgar outburst (consisting of 4 words) came from the winger as a result of a controversial decision by the referee late in the game. Experts on the matter have cited the decision as 'harsh' and many are sympathetic with the young lad. SMU's head coach, Hairul Naim, has kept mum on the matter, instead choosing to focus on SMU's crucial match against NUS on Thursday.

The winger, however, seemed to have moved on quickly, putting the incident behind him by clinching the title of Mr Waikiki 2010 - in the process pouring beer down the chest of his fellow pageant partner and lapping it all up at her belly button.

City Boys taste defeat against Boon Lay Warriors

In SMU's first game of the 4 unis, the defending champions suffered a defeat to the Boon Lay Warrior by a score of 24-5. The City Boys could only manage a single unconverted try through the club's president, Derek Chan, while vice-president Bryan Ng has been suspended for the next game, after being shown a red-card for swearing at the referee over a controversial decision.

The Boon Lay Warriors were out to prove that last year's victory over the City Boys in the SUniG 7s was no fluke and proved once again too much for the City Boys, and have now shown signs of competing for top honors this season.

For the defending champions, it looks like more work needs to be done and rectified quickly, and there will be no better way than to come away with a victory against tournament favourites, NUS.

Rumor has it, Head Coach Hairul Naim might be possibly facing the axe if he doesn't turn things around for the club that has enjoy rich success over the last 3 years.

SMU takes on NTU in the first match of the 4 unis

Other news:
- NUS beat SIM with a convincing victory of 75-5, with Mohd Raihan reported to be in top form with the kickimg tee, slotting kicks from every where.

Video clips from friendly match against ACJC

Below feature some of the video clips taken from SMU's preparation friendly match against ACJC

1. Ben Wai's 90m try



2. If you have to get back 10m when a penalty is awarded, you should always face your opponents, but in this case, you can see how our fullback takes it a bit to the extreme and probably backpedals more than 10m to get into position.

4-Unis Cup Kicks Off Tonight!

With the 4-Unis cup kicking off its first match today, the defending champions - SMU - have much to prove. In a press conference this morning, Head Coach Hairul Naim set things straight by naming his squad of 30. SMU Rugby has much to prove after a dismal showing at the 2009 Singapore University Games. We now give you a wrapup of some decisions made, the debutants and some surprise call-ups .

1. Shen Sijie, a.k.a. The Animal, returns to the pitch after taking a 2 year break from rugby. Once rated one of the 'dirtiest players ever' (see previous post), the Animal is expected to bolster a forward pack that is sorely missing the services of former executive committee members - Sherman Yeo and Daniel Lee - who are currently partying in Europe.

The Animal picking his prey before the game

2. Former SA vice captain, Eugene Tan, has been named in the squad of 30, despite a prolonged hiatus from rugby. The player was last seen hitting the gym, screaming profanities directed at opposing teams whilst engaging in his workout. Will his quirky ways blend well with the team?

3. With the inclusion of Stuart and Kah Wei to an already impressive backline, team captain, Derek Chan, has hailed his backline as 'one of the best SMU has ever seen'. Much is expected from the talented backline, and in Derek Chan's words - "we can expect to see some champagne rugby".

4. SMU Rugby has finally changed their transfer policy, and have started looking away from this sunny island for talent. Our talent scouts this year have brought two foreign imports to the team - namely Luc (French) and Dunk (Thai). The two impact players are expected to figure in Coach Hairul's plans to retain the 4-Unis Cup.

The City Boys kick off their first match against the Boon Lay Warriors at 8pm on Thursday, 25 February, at the NUS Sports Complex.

Raffles duo sign for SMU

With the 4-Unis Tournament in just 2 weeks, SMU's newly appointed head coach, Hairul, was quick to make a move in the transfer market - snapping up Wong Kah Wei (who plays scrumhalf) and Stuart Ho (who plays out-centre). The duo, both U-20 players, are expected to start in the upcoming tournament.

At the press conference, Stuart said "I am happy to offer my services to the team. Hopefully, I can add some sting to the backline and SMU Rugby can retain the 4-Unis Cup."

When quizzed about the new signings, team captain - Derek Chan said, "We are more than happy that Stuart and Kah Wei have signed for us. Yes, I am a fan of both players and with these two new signings, we can look forward to returning to our winning ways."