pompower
Good result, strong performance all things considered. With everything that's going on, every win feels like a massive upset. It looked like we grew into the game and that period in the second half where we completely shut them down was hugely satisfying. We had a bit of luck on our side but we took advantage of it and stayed on them -- everyone worked really hard again.
That said, we're still the same team we were last week. The Cowboys were pretty poor, down two players, and we still let them back into the game. In the first half especially it was way too easy for them to work their way up-field, which seems like a problem that's been plaguing us all year. Luckily they fluffed it on many occasions and were just as soft themselves, but Souths won't let us get away with that.
Overall though, can't complain. You can only play what's in front of you. Nikorima was oustanding when he got his hands on the ball but I'd still like to see him inject himself a little more. Clearly when he plays well it gives Green more space to work -- he was much, much better last night, especially in the second half. Egan's little kick for Hiku was a really nice touch; he's clearly a smart player, but he's so one-dimensional. If he's not going to run, let's at least bring on Lawton for a couple of spells rather than just the last 20 minutes (max).
Backline was solid outside of a couple of defensive slip ups. Hat trick for Hiku on his first game back, makes it easy to forgive the rough start. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck strong as always. Really rate Herbert, but he's definitely a centre. Beale was serviceable and Pompey is 2020's Patrick Ah Van. The future looks much brighter replacing those two with Ken and Fusitua (who will hopefully shift back to wing).
Pack was much better than last week. Blair's best game in ages. A lot to like about Jamayne Tounua-Brown. Poasa looks a decent get, hope we can hold onto him. Honestly not seeing anything special about King and Murchie yet, but they've played their role, much like Burr. Hopefully Paasi can come in for one of those three next week. Katoa is a super talent. Harris immense as usual.
But most importantly, we're all going to have a nice weekend.
That said, we're still the same team we were last week. The Cowboys were pretty poor, down two players, and we still let them back into the game. In the first half especially it was way too easy for them to work their way up-field, which seems like a problem that's been plaguing us all year. Luckily they fluffed it on many occasions and were just as soft themselves, but Souths won't let us get away with that.
Overall though, can't complain. You can only play what's in front of you. Nikorima was oustanding when he got his hands on the ball but I'd still like to see him inject himself a little more. Clearly when he plays well it gives Green more space to work -- he was much, much better last night, especially in the second half. Egan's little kick for Hiku was a really nice touch; he's clearly a smart player, but he's so one-dimensional. If he's not going to run, let's at least bring on Lawton for a couple of spells rather than just the last 20 minutes (max).
Backline was solid outside of a couple of defensive slip ups. Hat trick for Hiku on his first game back, makes it easy to forgive the rough start. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck strong as always. Really rate Herbert, but he's definitely a centre. Beale was serviceable and Pompey is 2020's Patrick Ah Van. The future looks much brighter replacing those two with Ken and Fusitua (who will hopefully shift back to wing).
Pack was much better than last week. Blair's best game in ages. A lot to like about Jamayne Tounua-Brown. Poasa looks a decent get, hope we can hold onto him. Honestly not seeing anything special about King and Murchie yet, but they've played their role, much like Burr. Hopefully Paasi can come in for one of those three next week. Katoa is a super talent. Harris immense as usual.
But most importantly, we're all going to have a nice weekend.
