At the risk of going against the grain here.. I would ask people to consider looking around at what's on the market in terms of defensive players. PARTICULARLY in our back-row.
IMO Isemonger is our only solid, defensive back-rower. I'm not only talking about lateral ability there, I'm talking about CONSISTENT, effective body positioning. Rarely are players poking their heads through the ruck when he's about.
But with some of our other back rowers, this isn't the case at all. We can't go on scoring 30 odd points and winning by one unconverted try (I refuse to count Reicks final try today). No one is questioning the boys passion and committment - they're busting their guts to get off the line and put hits on - but they look SO TERRIFIED on our line.
We need confidence at the edge of the ruck desperately, and whether that problem is solved theoretically or via recruitment, I am undecided. IMO we cannot afford to lose Gallen et al in our back row, but they definately need to work on their defense.
As an aside, I was incredibly impressed with Kent's defense. I have to eat a large amount of umble pie there.
