Footy is a funny game where in a week, plenty can change.
NZ had intent not shown all seasons and Manly were looking flustered.
Yes NZ used spoiling tactics and could have copped 20 more penalties, but Manly failed to adapt.
There seemed no plan B after not unlocking the middle and went to a sideways style often looking lost.
I still felt the back end of both halves they would have unlocked that middle with persistence and better kicking options.
The NZ edge rushed created drops and bad decisions, but Manly did not add depth to counter the rush defence and the kicks that went in behind, were on but lacked execution- maybe DCE on tackle 1 was dodgy, but all be hailing it genius if we scored....
Manly have been up for some big wins in recent weeks and keeping it real, NZ won that game on completing harder on the night, the little efforts on every play....refs, bad luck and all those things contribute, but tonight the hungriest team won
NZ had intent not shown all seasons and Manly were looking flustered.
Yes NZ used spoiling tactics and could have copped 20 more penalties, but Manly failed to adapt.
There seemed no plan B after not unlocking the middle and went to a sideways style often looking lost.
I still felt the back end of both halves they would have unlocked that middle with persistence and better kicking options.
The NZ edge rushed created drops and bad decisions, but Manly did not add depth to counter the rush defence and the kicks that went in behind, were on but lacked execution- maybe DCE on tackle 1 was dodgy, but all be hailing it genius if we scored....
Manly have been up for some big wins in recent weeks and keeping it real, NZ won that game on completing harder on the night, the little efforts on every play....refs, bad luck and all those things contribute, but tonight the hungriest team won