Right then. Another loss. Not unexpected, but frustrating none the less.
The +ves:
- Brad Thorn continue to play well in a beaten tight-five
- Ball presentation at the back of the breakdown was improved (though still far from perfect)
- Tuiali'i continues to play much better than I predicted. He is not quite the same player he was before he left, but he still looks good enough to be starting at this level.
- TJ Ioane had a very good game. He must have spent the off-season working on catching/holding onto the ball as he was nothing like the player that dropped 3-4 balls a game for Otago all last season. His passing game looked much improved too, but what really impressed me was his physical defense - something the Highlanders have really lacked. I still can't stand his style of play, but I will get to that later....
- Tanaka was very good in his starting debut, while Aaron Smith was superb when he came on too (mainly as he was playing his natural game).
- Parker had a good starting debut too. His goal-kicking was flawless (as it often is), he kicked well for territory at times, and took the ball well to the line. His inside passing game brought a different dimension to the Highlanders attack, but he did become a bit obsessed with it at times. I would certainly start him at 10 again next weekend.
- Nonu was strong in defense, ran much straighter at times, and didn't make many (any?) errors.
- The Highlanders employed a more intelligent kicking game this weekend. The didn't execute it that well (mainly due to a poor chase line), but at least they showed they have another option apart from 'run at all costs'.
-ves:
- The scoreline
- The ball handling in general was very poor
- Far too many missing tackles
- We looked very shaky under the high ball
- The tight-five was outplayed yet again
- We can't seem to put any pressure on opposition ruck ball - the only way we can get the ball off them is if they make a mistake
- Hore was quiet again. MackIntosh was nowhere near as effective as last weekend
- Hoeata was completely anonymous
- Having Ioane doing 20+ hit-ups per match in the midfield basically nullifies any opportunity for backline play. I don't mind them using him there occasionally, but he spent the whole match standing at first or second receiver. The fact Ioane is mixing up his game a bit and passing the ball occasionally is good though.
- Burleigh was very quiet, though to be fair barely touched the ball
- Poki got injured (ribs?), meaning we are getting very short of wings now. Emery may have start on the wing, or they could bring in Ensor/Slade/Renata (personally I wouldn't bring in Slade or Renata as they would mean having to shift Ben Smith onto the wing).
- Gear had a shocker. Ben Smith was very quiet.
Crusaders next weekend.....
