The Bench

[Woodsie]

Fair few of us a bit perplexed or concerned about both the composition and use of the bench last night (with the usual Baz is a goose) but in hindsight can we make sense of it.

Composition. 2 props no worries but Hastings and Brown ... why. Well it is agreed amongst most of us that either Bainbridge or Lane should have replaced Brown As it turns out Bainbridge was injured therefore not possible and Baz ( unlike some) was obviously not convinced Lane was the answer. Would have to agree with him after watching Lane in reggies.
So he gets a belated tick from me.

Usage. Again obviously 2 props were going to be interchanged, that's 4 (int) and depending on workload 2 (int) held for Jake. That's a possible 6 (int) plus the option of taking Api off for the last 15min that's 7 (int). The last int probably held up the sleeve for an injury to a back and putting Hastings on. Hence the need and preference for both 2nd rowers to be 80min players.

Last night, I simply think that given our possession stats and the way the team was going Baz just said Fuch it and left good enough alone, let Siro and Winterstein go for the distance and get match fitness. There was no need to take a back off for Hastings or replace Api. It was only done at the death to get them both game time.

Next week. As some posters have already alluded to, next week will be interesting. If we have no injures and Lussick returns what will happen ...... ?

PS (and NO! Kapow will not play 2nd row.)

 

[nightster]

Lussick will probably not come straight in ... thats my guess ... & yes disappointed with Lane in reggies ... not just Lane .... but we need him to live up to his potential .... he needs to get motivated /angry ... can we get Igor in to slap him around ?... he is a bit of a T-Rex ... so much potential so little energy

 

[Little Grubber Kick]

Fair few of us a bit perplexed or concerned about both the composition and use of the bench last night (with the usual Baz is a goose) but in hindsight can we make sense of it.

Composition. 2 props no worries but Hastings and Brown ... why. Well it is agreed amongst most of us that either Bainbridge or Lane should have replaced Brown As it turns out Bainbridge was injured therefore not possible and Baz ( unlike some) was obviously not convinced Lane was the answer. Would have to agree with him after watching Lane in reggies.
So he gets a belated tick from me.

Usage. Again obviously 2 props were going to be interchanged, that's 4 (int) and depending on workload 2 (int) held for Jake. That's a possible 6 (int) plus the option of taking Api off for the last 15min that's 7 (int). The last int probably held up the sleeve for an injury to a back and putting Hastings on. Hence the need and preference for both 2nd rowers to be 80min players.

Last night, I simply think that given our possession stats and the way the team was going Baz just said Fuch it and left good enough alone, let Siro and Winterstein go for the distance and get match fitness. There was no need to take a back off for Hastings or replace Api. It was only done at the death to get them both game time.

Next week. As some posters have already alluded to, next week will be interesting. If we have no injures and Lussick returns what will happen ...... ?

PS (and NO! Kapow will not play 2nd row.)

Great Post!

Whilst I think 2 props, 1 2nd row and 1 utility is good balance,
I think the reality will be 3 props (Myles Lussick AFB) and a utility (Hastings) and then the only reason Kapow would find himself in the second row is if Sironen or Winterstein get injured.

 

[Pepi]

Lussick is back in 2 weeks according to his Twitter. I thought Jamil did some good work in defense and was looking for work. I'd have him ahead of Lane.

 

[Woodsie]

Great Post!

Whilst I think 2 props, 1 2nd row and 1 utility is good balance,
I think the reality will be 3 props and a utility and then the only reason Kapow would find himself in the second row is if Sironen or Winterstein get injured.

agree, but even then I think Baz will be hoping Bainbridge and Lane are up for it. I just think that the present defensive shape provided by the 2nd rowers is fundamental to Baz's plans.

 

[Woodsie]

Lussick is back in 2 weeks according to his Twitter. I thought Jamil did some good work in defense and was looking for work. I'd have him ahead of Lane.

Yes an option, but a commentator said during the game Jamil's clearance hasn't come through yet.

 

[Deleted member 26876]

Siro and Winterstein were much improved this week. As for the bench, id go for AFB, Myles, Lussick and Hastings, quality bench and would expect Lussick to return back to starting prop after a few 'warm up' games. As for when Jamil is cleared, id like to see him given a shot.

 

[nightster]

how long is BB out for?

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Lussick will probably not come straight in ... thats my guess ... & yes disappointed with Lane in reggies ... not just Lane .... but we need him to live up to his potential .... he needs to get motivated /angry ... can we get Igor in to slap him around ?... he is a bit of a T-Rex ... so much potential so little energy

How did Hoppa play in the reserves?

 

[pjayz]

I think the reason for Lane not being picked is that he isn't match fit due to injury. The Cowboys game was his first game this year in any grade and only played 10 minutes. He was required as we were four props down.

With Taupau and AFB back for the dogs game, I'd say Trent told Lane to blow out the cobwebs in reggies and get some minutes under his belt.

If Lussick is back, I'd say he will come onto the bench and Hastings will drop out (unfortunately).

 

[ricardo]

Like many I noticed a drop in intensity when Brown came on. I doubt it's all his fault but yes I'd have Hastings, Lane, Myles (who was good) & AFB as bench.

 

[ManlyTragic]

Like many I noticed a drop in intensity when Brown came on. I doubt it's all his fault but yes I'd have Hastings, Lane, Myles (who was good) & AFB as bench.

I am pretty sure it was Brown that smashed Klemmer when Klemmer coughed up the ball- if so no drop off in intensity there.

 

[ricardo]

True

 

[Fluffy]

Like many I noticed a drop in intensity when Brown came on. I doubt it's all his fault but yes I'd have Hastings, Lane, Myles (who was good) & AFB as bench.

you were a bit slow in noticing it, the drop occurred about 5-10 minutes before and Brown added some fire - smashed Reynolds and Klemmer, from there we were back on top until the end.

 

[Woodsie]

you were a bit slow in noticing it, the drop occurred about 5-10 minutes before and Brown added some fire - smashed Reynolds and Klemmer, from there we were back on top until the end.

was Brown on report for the hit on Reynolds?

 

[jbb/james]

I reckon hastings is a reaction to last year. So many games brown was shifted to centres due to early injury and barrett is a bit spooked. We all know how well brown went

The forwards are all playing longer minutes and to be honest i want them all out there for 80 as they are all going that well but obviously we cant. Browns contributions are much better this year as a result.

Injuries and some more games and he will get it sorted. The bench can never be perfect due to the unknown injury issues that can strike at any minute.

Its a good discussion for sure and our bench could probably be tinkered with, but having hastings part of the team consistently , can only serve the team well as im sure he has a part to play down the track

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Easy , Lussick in and Brown / Hastings fight it out for utility.

Boy that's a fearsome forward pack, especially if Nate Myles v2 keeps going!

 

[Fluffy]

I reckon hastings is a reaction to last year. So many games brown was shifted to centres due to early injury and barrett is a bit spooked. We all know how well brown went

The forwards are all playing longer minutes and to be honest i want them all out there for 80 as they are all going that well but obviously we cant. Browns contributions are much better this year as a result.

Injuries and some more games and he will get it sorted. The bench can never be perfect due to the unknown injury issues that can strike at any minute.

Its a good discussion for sure and our bench could probably be tinkered with, but having hastings part of the team consistently , can only serve the team well as im sure he has a part to play down the track

You can't really blame Baz if that is his thought pattern. Getting injuries hurts, but so many mid match just adds salt to the wound.

 

[Crusher_Cleal]

Keep Hastings and DITCH BROWN