Norway ended their international season running in eight tries, two each to scrum half Simon Viljoen and loose forward Brett Harvey, as they won 46-6 in Partille, Sweden. “It’s pleasing to see how much depth we have coming through,” said Norge RL head coach Dave Hunter.
“We were better prepared even though Sweden gave their all. It was a different team to the one we normally field, with an emphasis on giving more of our domestic players the feel of playing in an international.”
The visitors dominated the first half, racing to a 30-0 lead thanks to tries by skipper Kristoffer Milligan, Kristian Paulsen, Harvey, second rower Harold Mickelsen and Viljoen; Ole Magnus Brekk perfect with the boot.
Stephen Skofteland extended the lead straight in the 42nd minute, Sweden’s reply coming from Robert Vermon; Christoffer Andreasson converting.
Sweden head coach Sam Cammell commented: “It was a tough game for us, the Norwegian team has got so much stronger. But our big guys really fixed up our defence in the middle and I think they had a few sore bodies! There’s plenty of work to do and our domestic competition next year will help with that.”