The difference between the 2 teams was the error rate/completions. They completed at 89% only making 3 errors all game. We completed at 73% (not good enough) making 10 errors.
The penalties were close 5-4 in favour of them. They got 4 in a row at the start and scored from them. That put us on the back foot. Then we got 3 in a row swinging the momentum and we scored. From then on they got 1 more penalty and we got 1 more penalty. Pretty even really.
Missed tackles were 26-25 and there were 4 line breaks a piece. So both teams defence were similar
As I said our stupid mistakes cost us the game.
I don't agree that it was even. We got our 4 penalties in 7 minutes or something, which led to 1 try, they got their 4 spread out and scored off at least 2 of them. They got piggy back penalties out of their end, did we?
They were as offside as us in the first half, yet for 33 minutes they got piggy backed out, we did not.
What about the Hopoate not held, then pushed back in goal? The second half they dragged us over the sideline, it is impossible to believe the 5 metres they stuttered picking him up and dragging him that he wasn't held. In fact, it seems that the entire game they were allowed to stop our momentum in a tackle (which should draw a call of held) then lift and drive us back as far as they wanted without issue.
Our defence off the back of the good field position was soft though, there is no arguing that at all and good teams defend those raids. Inexperience showed big time.
We had them in the first 20 of the second half but could only come up with one try, however, there were 2 crucial plays that stunted us, the Morgan call back for held (which he absolutely was not) and when Williams knocked the ball out of Hayne's hand. Regardless of a loose carry, the last person to touch the ball was Williams, therefore, no knock on, Hayne regathers, six again.
The second half from a defensive point of view was much better, the effort was strong and there was desperation. We just need to play like that in the first 20 mins against Manly if we are any hope.
