Series of mistakes by NS players punished them with a defeat to Kedah last saturday at Padang UUM Sintok with final score 26-31. Game that is said to be in favour of NS was turnover by a series of individual mistakes and carelessness by NS players. Unable to finished what is set up nicely was also one of the reasons the defeat to Kedah for the first time in Negeri Sembilan rugby history book. Started from the first whistle, NS managed to put pressure deep into Kedah's territory but unable to convert it into points. It is Kedah who draw the first blood with 6 points from penaly kick. NS replied back from a try by Acap and the 1st half ended with 6-5 in favour of Kedah. Actually the 1st half started well for NS, but the execution and finishing is not there.
Until the 2nd half started, this is the points where NS players lost their focus and give away 2 simple try to Kedah which is not suppose to happen in that period of time. Indiscipline was one of the factor why NS give away too much penalty to the opponent. At certain times,players sometimes confuse with the ELV (Experimental Law variations) rules that has been applied to Malaysia rugby scene this year. NS gave too many penalties in the rucking which is sometimes players seems to dive over the ball. This is what i see as a possible reason on why NS lost to Kedah last Saturday. At one time, NS seems to make a comeback but time is running out to make them to do so. There are many lesson that the players can get from the game especially in the tournament as well. Committment and determination is not there to achieve what they want in the game. Hopefully they can change to achieve more glory in the future especially Agong's Cup is just around the corner..Insya Allah..
