Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

The Leopards is 'Team Africa' less the Republic of South Africa although judging from the accents and the quality of their rugby a few 'Boks' had joined the party at J'burg.

Nine of the Army team had played a gruelling Cup match the day before so were naturally somewhat leg weary but that distracted nothing from some great Leopard rugby and a thoroughly entertaining match where the tourists from Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Morocco and Tunisia showed, in foreign conditions, some great skills.

The Leopards led 10pts-5 at half time, the Reds closing the gap thanks to a superb solo effort from full back Mal Roberts (RLC) who ran in from 35m through some very heavy traffic.

Hldr Isoa Damudamu battling his way through At that time the Reds were starting to 'gel'. Bearing the brunt was lock Ben Hughes (RE) who worked like a Trojan to get the powerhouse right and prop Melvin Lewis (WG) who took a turn both on the tight and the loose head. New scrum half Alipate Vakasawaqu (AGC) buzzed and continually bossed the pack to the point where he was ready to change direction.

Army XV 15 Sgt Malcolm Roberts (captain), RLC 14 Spr Ben Suru, RE 13 Spr Peceli Nacamavuto, RE 12 Cpl Andrew Parkinson, R Sigs 11 LCpl Eugene Viljoen, RE 10 LCpl James Balfrey, 9 LCpl Alipate Vakasawaqa, AGC 8 Hldr Isoa Damudamu, 7 LCpl Maccu Koroiyadi, RLC 6 Pte Joe Kava, RLC 5 Pte Ledua Jope, AGC 4 Cpl Benjamin Hughes, RE 3 LCpl Melvin Lewis, WG 2 Cpl Jason Kemble, 1 Sig Ryan Grant, R Sigs Replacements: 16 Ben Hankinson, 17 Cpl John Beart, 18 Lt Mark Lee 1 Scots, 19 LBdr Gareth Gareth Libbey, 20 Capt Adrian Twyning, 21 Lt Mark Honeybun RA, 22 Slade-Jones Coach: WO2 Andy Sanger (RE)

Wholesale changes in the Army team in the second half might have saved the leg weary but could not prevent the Leopards scoring two excellent tries.

Mark Honeybun (RA),an accomplished sevens player introduced at fly half had a very sound match leading into the attack and kicking for position. The freer spirit and sheer grit enabled the Army to respond with a fourth quarter period of intense pressure on the Leopards line but they failed, just, to cross the whitewash. A very tolerant referee, Steve Harland (England), eventually awarded the Reds a penalty try to make the score a fair reflection on the night.

Mal Roberts (above) and Peceli Nacamavuto (right)

Match Coach Andy Sanger RE singled out two newcomers for special praise. "Considering the high pressure games on the previous day the team showed tremendous commitment. Six players pulled on the Red jersey for the first time and no one performed better than open side Maccu Koroiyadu (RLC) and rugby league convert Ben Seru (RE) who showed real pace and flair".

Army Scorers:
Try: Roberts
Con: Honeyburn
Pen: Honeyburn

This was the African Leopards very first match outside of Africa and was only their second match and their first win.

See more of the African Leopards

Read about the Confederation of African Rugby