Rugby Premier League: Hyderabad Heroes set up title clash against Mumbai Dreamers of Season 2
Hyderabad, June 27
Hyderabad Heroes edge Chennai Bulls 29-24 in the semifinals of Season 2 of the Rugby Premier League played at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday.
"It feels really good to clear the hurdle from last year. Full credit to our coach, DJ Forbes, and the entire squad for playing the brand of rugby that we set out to play right from day one. We go again tomorrow and give it our all as a team," said Manuel Moreno, captain of the Hyderabad Heroes, after winning the semifinal.
"We were really tested in the semis, so I'm hoping the boys will be well prepared for everything that comes at them tomorrow. We definitely made it hard on ourselves, so if we can tidy up a few errors, we will definitely give ourselves a chance. Anything can happen, as was witnessed in both semis. There's not much separating the teams, but when we execute the basics and limit our errors, we can play some quality sevens. I'm excited for the boys, and they deserve to be in the final," said DJ Forbes, Head Coach, Hyderabad Heroes
The Heroes made an electric start, shifting the ball swiftly across the field before Taitaifono Tavita crossed over within the opening minute. Chennai responded with greater physicality, attacking through the middle as Marika Koroibete powered over to edge the Bulls ahead.
Hyderabad, however, continued to exploit the width, with Tavita racing down the left wing for his second try before Maurice Longbottom's elusive running and quick link play created the opening for Ravuama Seruvakula to extend the lead.
Hyderabad refused to back down, with captain Manuel Moreno leading the comeback by cutting the deficit to just two points. The Heroes then displayed remarkable composure in the closing stages, patiently recycling possession until a gap emerged for Sambit Pradhan to race through for the decisive try, before Diego Ardao controlled the ball expertly in the final moments to seal a hard-fought victory.
— IANS
Reader Comments
So proud to see rugby growing in India! Hyderabad vs Mumbai final will be epic. Hope our team brings the trophy home! 🙌
Great win, but we need to fix those defensive lapses in the second half. Chennai almost pulled off a comeback. Coach Forbes is right—tidy up those errors and we can beat Mumbai. Let's go Heroes!
First time watching RPL and I'm hooked! The speed and skill on display is impressive. Sambit Pradhan's try at the end was pure class. Indian rugby is on the right track.
Exciting times for Hyderabad sports! First our cricket team, now our rugby team in the final. The energy at Gachibowli must have been amazing. Let's fill the stadium for the final tomorrow! 🏟️
I understand the excitement but honestly, we need more investment in grassroots rugby. Fewer than 5 Indian players in the starting lineup? Come on, Hyderabad Heroes, you're supposed to represent our city! Develop local talent first.
Great to see sevens rugby catching on in India. The speed of play is incredible. That first try by Tavita within a minute set the tone. Mumbai Dreamers will be a tough opponent though—they've
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