One of the interesting aspects of the Sharks game, was Kearney's prop forward rotation.
We essentially played with five props. All four of our props were given shorter stints - none played for 40 minutes, with the fifth prop being Hindmarsh who shifted into the role for a period of time.
I think there were a number of factors behind this. I think by playing the props in shorter stints there was a primary objective of improving the mobility of the defence and the side's line speed (a factor I believe has been particularly poor all year). I don't know if you can put it down solely to this, but I think there was definite improvement in both those areas.
I know there was some criticism of the minutes Fui played by some fans after that game, but certainly the rotation got maximum value out of Parramatta's most damaging front rower - 12 hitups for 119 metres including 4 tackle breaks gives you a stellar backbone for your attack. Justin Poore also boasted strong stats with 73 metres from eight hitups and impressive 29 tackles from his 38 minutes on the field. And while Mitchell Allgood played just 28 minutes, he averages ten metres from his four runs and also make 22 tackles.
Certainly, we finished the second half full of running, and it's worth pointing out that the key try Luke Burt scored came from a Nathan Hindmarsh hit-up where he was able to use his ball-playing abilities to catch the opposition by surprise. We have four strong props, but their ball skills are limited and Hindmarsh offers something different in that regard.
Given the success of the last game, it won't surprise to see this tactic repeated against Souths who are going to be a little bit down on forward firepower.
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I still cant believe that Fui is starting from the bench.In todays game it is crucial to get on top early and in alot of our games this year we have been bashed out of the contest by the time Fui comes on.As for the linespeed Phil i believe with Ben Smith back our linespeed will improve again anyway because he really ups the tempo in that regard.
I actually think Poore moving into the starting line-up has been the best selection decision Kearney has made all year, he has consistently been the fastest moving forward in terms of D, and I think he brings a lot of very needed energy into the defensive line.
In fact, I can't agree with most of this Clive. There aren't many games we haven't started well. It's been the back 20 where we've struggled, and Fui's had some defensive howlers that have contributed to that as well. I can only think of maybe one or two games in the entire past two seasons, where we've been outmuscled up front.
After the first 10 minutes we've been winning SEVEN times, drawing four times, and losing just once.
I do like the idea of having Fui in the run-on side, you can't deny we start pretty well.
There's a fine line between slowing down the play the ball and being penalized. But giving away penalties for this is unforgivable.
Those stats surprise me Phil.I guess im basing that opinion on the fact that because Fui is so destructive i actually want to be dominating that first 20min period rather than just holding our own.I just think that if we started with Fui and got on a roll we may be able to carry that momentum through the whole 1st half.
That's what generally is happening in league. More and more players can play for 80minutes. Complete backrow and hooker. There are only 2-3 players that need interchange which allows for big dynamic forwards to come in for 20 minutes bursts, and then get a breather. The smaller players stand no chance in today's game. They have to reduce the interchanges to 5 or so.
We need an impact player who can come on and bend the line and Fui does that
We need backrower who can also do this
The main objective that must be deployed is take the risk.
Too many times we see opportunities lost because you can actually see the player holding back the ball and not passing.
It is time to maintain the rage and push the pass.