The Realist
Juniors
- Messages
- 1,643
There is just so much to unpack in this game.
We still aren't that close to our pre-origin best with the ball in hand - our execution is still off and from the 50-70 minute mark we were guilty of going back into our shell and playing not to lose.
But to compensate our already excellent defence has gone up to another level.
Guys like Capewell, Martin and even Kikau who were all down on form all stood up. Martin in particular surprised me with his improvement. Kikau kept his lazinesses and brain explosions to a minimium and Capewell was absolutely enormous in defence.
Momo is definitely a crack, edging toward an Elite level defender which is very important for a Right centre as you will be defending the oppositions usually highly dominant left side.
Critta is definitely an Elite defender. He stops even the most potent attacking weapons DEAD. His work on Olam was next level. He also got much more involved this week when compared to his last 2-3 games.
Cleary despite his awesome try assist is still off his game with ball in hand but gosh it is useful having a halfback who is an elite defender. He doesn't need help or a body guard like many halves do. He can take down even rampaging 2nd rowers 1 on 1. I think he is the best defensive half I have ever seen.
Luai was still not quite there but he has definitely improved. A bit like Cleary he is also a highly competent defender for a half.
Yeo was immense as usual and Api definitely stepped it up which honestly relieves the pressure on Cleary and Luai.
Yes I am guilty of 'hating' on Edwards. He had an excellent defensive game. I'd still prefer it if he didn't have his 1-2 a game brain snap(s) though. Running it into the teeth of the defence when we had a clear overlap was almost inexcusable. You could literally see his hesitation and fear in passing it. Still though he was often exactly where he was needed off the ball - great first contact on the Pap saved a try (along with Critta and Capes).
Our Front rowers did enough to match it with the Storm. Fish improved somewhat and TPJ keeps getting better for us. Leniu injection was great - reversed some of the Storms momentum and of course Sorensons Iron Will in that Sattleresque chase was just something else.
I think the game was summed up by the scenes just after the full time whistle. A bunch of the Melbourne players looked liked they'd gone 12 rounds with a heavyweight. Hughes face was shredded and Munster looked battered.
Overall so happy with the performance. I had little expectation going into the game - I just hoped that we'd compete well and boy did they what!
We still aren't that close to our pre-origin best with the ball in hand - our execution is still off and from the 50-70 minute mark we were guilty of going back into our shell and playing not to lose.
But to compensate our already excellent defence has gone up to another level.
Guys like Capewell, Martin and even Kikau who were all down on form all stood up. Martin in particular surprised me with his improvement. Kikau kept his lazinesses and brain explosions to a minimium and Capewell was absolutely enormous in defence.
Momo is definitely a crack, edging toward an Elite level defender which is very important for a Right centre as you will be defending the oppositions usually highly dominant left side.
Critta is definitely an Elite defender. He stops even the most potent attacking weapons DEAD. His work on Olam was next level. He also got much more involved this week when compared to his last 2-3 games.
Cleary despite his awesome try assist is still off his game with ball in hand but gosh it is useful having a halfback who is an elite defender. He doesn't need help or a body guard like many halves do. He can take down even rampaging 2nd rowers 1 on 1. I think he is the best defensive half I have ever seen.
Luai was still not quite there but he has definitely improved. A bit like Cleary he is also a highly competent defender for a half.
Yeo was immense as usual and Api definitely stepped it up which honestly relieves the pressure on Cleary and Luai.
Yes I am guilty of 'hating' on Edwards. He had an excellent defensive game. I'd still prefer it if he didn't have his 1-2 a game brain snap(s) though. Running it into the teeth of the defence when we had a clear overlap was almost inexcusable. You could literally see his hesitation and fear in passing it. Still though he was often exactly where he was needed off the ball - great first contact on the Pap saved a try (along with Critta and Capes).
Our Front rowers did enough to match it with the Storm. Fish improved somewhat and TPJ keeps getting better for us. Leniu injection was great - reversed some of the Storms momentum and of course Sorensons Iron Will in that Sattleresque chase was just something else.
I think the game was summed up by the scenes just after the full time whistle. A bunch of the Melbourne players looked liked they'd gone 12 rounds with a heavyweight. Hughes face was shredded and Munster looked battered.
Overall so happy with the performance. I had little expectation going into the game - I just hoped that we'd compete well and boy did they what!
why the hell was Munster even there?
