A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece on my web page that highlighted five points that the side needed to improve on.
It was written after the loss to Newcastle and looking over it, I feel the team has improved in at least four of those areas.
The five points were:
1. Kick Pressure
2. Kick Defence
3. Defensive Pressure
4. Ruck Speed
5. Calmness.
In relation to the first two points, I believe that over the past three weeks, our halves have shown their ability to build pressure.
Against Cronulla in particular we forced multiple repeat sets, preferring to build pressure rather than attempt the miracle play.
Admittedly, we do have a tendency to drop the ball or fudge up a back-line play. However, I'd say that the players have learnt to warm into the challenge, rather than looking to kill the opposition in one big play.
We have plenty of room for further improvement in those two areas.
Another great improvement has been in our line speed and defensive pressure. Obviously with the addition of Tepai Moeroa and the return of Ken Edwards and Fuifui Moimoi, the line speed has been faster.
Against Souths, our young forward pack held their own and against both the Titans and Cronulla, they dominated much more experienced packs.
I would really like to see a couple of games where we brutalise the opposition, in the same way that the Rabbitohs belted Manly.
There was a big chance that our line-speed would go backwards with the injury to Nathan Peats but I believe that Isaac De Gois has now settled and is leading the defensive line very well.
A big area that we need to pick up though is our ruck speed. Our forwards make good metres but are unable to get the quick play the ball.
Part of this is refereeing inconsistency but part of this is also our forwards not fighting to get to their feet.
You watch many of the Souths, Manly and Melbourne forwards and they're constantly trying to get to their feet and not allowing the defenders to lay all over them.
Any further thoughts?
Replies
DeGois is becoming one dimensional BUT a good defender - Matt Keating anyone?
Our forwards have trouble catching the ball so to expect them to know how to milk penalties trying to get to their feet is a bit much to ask.
Line speed in D - BA has banned RED cordial and RED lollies so it ain't gonna happen very often.\
He even banned RED Gatorade - watch what the trainer gives them - pineapple - goes well with coconuts.
Pressure kicks - yep - agree - all too often our players are under enormous pressure IF we get to the kick.
As for the rest of it I haven't really noticed.
Great blog Super.
Keating ran from dummy half ONCE as well - he also kicked a 40/20 (ONCE) - PLUS Keating used to bring the forwards onto the ball - just as they were about to be hit by 6 defenders.
Lucky his name is not Isaac DeKoit - then we would have a dummy half labelled IDK.
He is predictable and becoming ONE dimensional Super - go back and watch the game again - 80% of his plays were to the SHORT right hand side = STUPIDITY.
Plus on a couple of occasions it was the FOURTH tackle before he got back onside and went into DH - Sandow was covering for him which adversely affects out attack.
I was wary when we signed him and still hold grave doubts about his ability.
He's not our mainstay, long term hooker, he's here to do a job and IMO he's doing a good job and is a better hooker than MK.
Hoppa and Faraimo = playmakers??
and/or ONE obscure forward.
Don't think so Super.
Luckily I was watching online and the screen is easily replaced.
I am talking "SHORT" right side (2-3 players max with less than 10 metres)) - not a movement down that side from 20+ metres infield to allow Hayne to chime in.
I was waiting for him to suddenly go the other way to catch the D out, but it didn't happen.