Players bruised but not beaten
Two Tokoroa NZ Deaf Black representatives have returned from their Argentina test victorious.
Tama Albert and Kamau Wise may be a bit bruised and battered but they said the thrill of representing New Zealand was worth it.
The Deaf Blacks took out Sordos Argentina 19-15 in the first test before completing the sweep with an 18-16 win in the second test.
Described by officials as a whirlwind tour Albert said the matches were tough.
‘‘Argentina are too quick and their forwards are tough but we gave it to them,’’ he said.
‘‘They were strong, lean, muscly and fit. The backline and forwards are short.
‘‘Their whole team was quick but we never gave up we kept going.’’
He said the action on the field was tough with Argentina pushing the Blacks in both tests.
‘‘We were just smashing going hard because you’re playing for the trophy and everybody was giving it their best.’’
Wise received a wrist injury but continued with the series.
A friendly game was organised in the second match held in the Jujuy province.
The Deaf Sordos Barbarians made up of players from both teams battled it out with the top rugby club.
Albert popped his shoulder and pulled a muscle in his thigh, minutes before full time
Albert said they performed well against a full hearing team.
‘‘We’re more focused on one thing. Where the ball is.
‘‘With hearing your head is everywhere.’’
Powering through the ‘‘toughest games he had ever played’’ Albert and Wise persevered through their injuries.
Winning 18-16 the NZ Deaf Blacks won the series in the second test.
‘‘We had to keep moving, pick up the ball and push forward, smash through making them tired.
‘‘To get to the try line we just used our backline, for our fastest players to score.’’
Argentina led all the way but a last second try for the Blacks, seven minutes over full time, sealed the win.
‘‘We were telling each other, ‘our war’s not over’. ’’
‘‘To get to the try line we just used our backline, for our fastest players to score.’’ Tama Albert