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Key Points

The Bengaluru Bravehearts staged another trademark comeback to defeat Kalinga 34-26 and secure their RPL semi-finals spot. Coach Hernandez emphasized the need to intensify preparations for the knockout stages after consistent top-three performances. Key players like Wokorach and Poulton delivered clutch tries to maintain Bengaluru's momentum. With one league match remaining, the team aims to carry winning form into the semi-finals and beyond.

Key Points: Bengaluru Bravehearts Coach Hernandez Eyes Finals After RPL Semis Berth

  • Bengaluru overcame 14-0 deficit with Wokorach and Chhetri tries
  • Poulton's crucial tries sealed 34-26 victory
  • Team now 2nd in table ahead of Chennai Bulls
  • Wokorach trails top try-scorer by just one
2 min read

Now is the time to work even harder: Bengaluru Bravehearts coach on making semis in RPL

Bengaluru Bravehearts secure RPL semis spot with 34-26 comeback win over Kalinga as coach Hernandez vows to push for finals.

"Now is the time to work even harder and hopefully move from the semi-finals into the finals. – Francisco Hernandez"

Mumbai, June 26

With qualification on the line for Bengaluru Bravehearts, Philip Wokorach, Arpan Chhetri and Liam Poulton lead the way to seal the third spot in the race to the semi-finals. Player of the match, Liam Poulton, scored a few crucial tries to shut down Kalinga completely as they showed glimmers of taking the game away from Bengaluru in the first half.

Bengaluru Bravehearts finally won with a margin of 8 points, with the final score reading 34-26.

"Being in the semi-finals is the first step to winning this tournament. We did a really great job in the league. We have consistently been in the top three going into the semi-finals and have got some very good performances and game time. Now is the time to work even harder and hopefully move from the semi-finals into the finals.” said Bengaluru Bravehearts head coach Francisco Hernandez.

The Kalinga Black Tigers led 14-0 in the first half but the Bravehearts started to mount a comeback with Philip Wokorach and Arpan Chhetri’s tries. It was a comeback that Bengaluru has become known for in this tournament where the team consistently finds a different gear to score consecutive tries whenever they have trailed. This win puts the Bengaluru Bravehearts 2nd on the points table just nudging above the Chennai Bulls owing to the score difference with both the teams at 21 points a piece after 9 games.

“It's great that we have made the semi-finals now, it’s why we are here. The whole team wants to win the competition and making the semi-finals is the first step towards that. We still have another game against Mumbai Dreamers and we look forward to taking the perfect momentum into the semi-finals and hopefully into the finals.” Said Scott Curry, co-captain, Bengaluru Bravehearts.

Notably, Philip Wokorach is currently trailing by a single try on the stats table of most tries in the league with a total of 9 tries in 9 matches. Another Braveheart leading the stats table is Akuila Rokolisoa, sharing top spot for total conversions (14) and most points for a team (53).

The Bengaluru Bravehearts will take on the Mumbai Dreamers on the 27th of June in the last match of the league stages after which the final standings will decide who they take on in the semi-finals.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a thrilling match! The Bravehearts' comeback was pure class. Arpan Chhetri is becoming the pride of Bengaluru rugby! 🇮🇳 Hope they carry this momentum into semis. Coach Hernandez is right - now's the time to double down on efforts!
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Priya M.
As a Bengaluru resident, I'm so proud of our team! But I wish they wouldn't always start slow - that 14-0 deficit gave me heart palpitations 😅 Need better first-half strategies against tougher opponents in knockouts!
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Amit S.
Wokorach and Rokolisoa are absolute machines! 9 tries in 9 matches is no joke. But the real hero was the defense in second half - they completely shut down Kalinga's attacks. Jai Bengaluru! 🏉
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Shreya G.
The Chennai-Bengaluru rivalry in rugby is getting intense! Just 1 point difference after 9 games - this is why RPL is becoming must-watch sports entertainment. More power to Indian rugby! 💪
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Vikram J.
While the win is great, I'm concerned about consistency. We can't always rely on second-half comebacks. Mumbai Dreamers will be tougher opponents - need to start strong from first whistle!
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Neha P.
So happy to see rugby growing in India! The Bravehearts' performance is inspiring many young athletes. Special shoutout to our Indian players like Arpan holding their own alongside international stars 👏

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