As far as the backs go (I can't speak for the forwards), it was a dismal performance. The most success we had was with the quick "fire" to the outside and 2nd phase ball. The set plays were characterized by dropped balls, mis-timed/coordinated runs, and worst of all, drifting across the field so that our opponents easily marked us. When Brian, myself or Jason were there for each other for the inside or outside pass, we usually failed to see the support and/or make the pass to keep the attack going. Multi-phase attack through continual support & communication among backs should be our priority at practice, as I don't think our set piece back line will likely surprise or overwhelm our opponents (it doesn't seem to a the RWC level either!), and is flawed by lack of steepness and not taking the ball on with pace. If we could get more #'s out at practice (maybe even 10 a side?) we could practice pack & backs rucking & recycling the ball out to backs for multi-phase attacks, with emphasis on backs being WHOEVER is ready to take the ball on, not provincially-minded positional play of "I'm the outside center' or 'I'm the wing' so that's where I'll stay').

 

INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS (from my witness)

Kevin's first try finally utilizing his real talent as it should be on the RUGBY field--taking the ball with speed on the outside, not trying to be a running back and run all over the place (he must ZULU for this!)

Leon, playing brilliant fly half--taking the ball on, kicking well, & spinning /skipping ball straight out with accurate passes (I dropped a perfect one from him that had a 3-1 overload:(), as well as taking the ball in for a try himself.

Spence 'doing it all' in the pack, including recycling the ball out to the backs on a 3rd/4th phase that put us over for a try. This is the kind of 'heads-up' forwards play that will really help us keep attacking on the fringes and recycling the ball.

Benji--What can be said? How about his taking the ball (in the 2nd half) when we were in their 22', he peeled off to the weak/left side and saw nothing, so he ran around to the other side drawing the defender wide, then 'hamburgered' back into Cheese for the try--brilliant!

MIke on wing--good head's up pass to inside when he was near sideline to keep the ball in play--this was a great example of sustained attack by the backs through support passing.

John Harley--really developing his ability to take the ball up the field, go into opponents and place ball cleanly for his forwards to ruck over (I saw him do this several times)

Matt R--clearly needs to lay off the Zesto's milkshakes, as he was winded from 5 min. into the game and didn't enjoy it.