A lot has been said of how we are getting beaten in the forwards, and I agree, we are struggling to contain other teams, or make good metres. But I think what's been a bit overlooked is how we haven't been getting off to good starts to the set.
Most sides you see nowadays get the ball rolling quickly in tackles 1 and 2. But unfortunately Taufau has been running sideways (and is carrying an injury) and Hiku is running up to the line and crouching and getting smashed back. And Snake has never been one that bolts back quickly at the defensive line. This is where to me we need that initial thrust and to me that's Blair, he's built like a backrower, and Gutho seems to be able to find a hole, and is surprisingly big.
Now Matai, no change needed. Killer is trying but we need a little more from him as well.
To me we always seem on the back foot from early in the sets, and then the forwards are exhausted as they have to run back into their 20. And then get smashed. Then plod up field and try and tackle.
Yep I'm captain obvious!
Most sides you see nowadays get the ball rolling quickly in tackles 1 and 2. But unfortunately Taufau has been running sideways (and is carrying an injury) and Hiku is running up to the line and crouching and getting smashed back. And Snake has never been one that bolts back quickly at the defensive line. This is where to me we need that initial thrust and to me that's Blair, he's built like a backrower, and Gutho seems to be able to find a hole, and is surprisingly big.
Now Matai, no change needed. Killer is trying but we need a little more from him as well.
To me we always seem on the back foot from early in the sets, and then the forwards are exhausted as they have to run back into their 20. And then get smashed. Then plod up field and try and tackle.
Yep I'm captain obvious!
