Malaysia chasing glory at home world cup

However, the host nation has its work cut out against heavyweight competition such as New Zealand, Samoa, and near neighbour Singapore. Malaysia’s Men’s 40s team, for example, experienced a tough day at the office against a very experienced Singapore side, while the Mixed Open team opened its account against Samoa with a 14-1 loss. The Women’s Open team faced New Zealand on day 2 losing to the Touch Blacks by 14-0.

In a difficult start, the Malaysian Men’s 40s defended stoutly early against neighbours Singapore. However, the team’s left-hand side defence struggled midway through the half, leaking several tries in quick succession. The team came out more determined in the second half led by hard working middle Brett Smythe, who was the player most likely to break apart the determined Singapore defence. 

Smythe who was ably supported by Sebastian Barros and David Ogilby probed the Singapore defence, which proved impregnable. After absorbing some Malaysian pressure, Singapore struck back hard, scoring several breakaway touchdowns to blow the final score out to 14 nil in their favour. Federico D'inca scored a treble, while Darren Whitbourne, Daniel de Villiers and Nicolas Tardieu bagged a brace each.

Malaysian Men’s 40s coach, Samsul Norazim while clearly frustrated post-match, said its only early days for touch in Malaysia. ";We’ve only been training for this tournament for seven months," Norazim said. This is the first time for this team at a world cup.

"The game is developing in Malaysia, and the game has only been in this country since 2008. We aim to learn more and develop, and our hope is we will be a stronger force by the time of the next world cup." Malaysia has co-opted some assistance from New Zealand Touch, which is assisting with game plans and skills training.

Norazim has high hopes for Malaysia’s Women’s Open team as well as the Mixed Open division, who have six players backing up from the last world cup in Coffs Harbour in Australia. "The women’s team have brought up some players from the Youth World Cup such as Ashley Boudeville, who is very fast and will trouble New Zealand tomorrow when our girls start their campaign."