I agree with Manu. Halves just didn't execute well. Seemed a bit of an anomaly in that sense. I know Seymour has been criticised by and large, but I can't recall many if any of his 100 odd first grade games where his passing was so inaccurate. Is the hand injury impeding him here? James had his worst game in first grade, but I'm one who expects that of a guy trying to make his way in first grade in a key position. I think maybe to clear his mind maybe Seymour goal kicking over the next couple of weeks should be considered.
I dare say if Preston Campbell wasn't so well positioned to cover Lewis Brown's kick off the Vatuvei catch that it could have been curtains for the Titans. I see that as a crucial play, and not really controllable.
The flat spot was always bound to happen. I think we need to be somewhat realistic here. Look at the injury toll we've had. It's been enormous. We lacked a bit of go forward in that game at crucial times, so for one of the first times this season I genuinely felt we missed Price, and definitely Rapira. Some of those forwards like Latimore were probably 'squad' players in the reckoning early in the year and have stood up bloody well, but this period indicates to me that they're finding it tough physically to go the distance. It's a big step up from what roles they are used to.
I said a few weeks ago that I consider this season already a massive success. Nothing yesterday changed that. We have seen outstanding development from a number of players. A number of fringe players have at various times had to come up with key plays, or take senior player responsibility roles, and have done so. This season to me has brought several of those players development forward one or two years. In the long run, this is good. Particularly coupled with some of the top talent in the 20s.
Nothing's changed from the 5 wins to the 2 losses except IMO our team is physically and mentally worn out. That's realistic. I don't think it's peaking too early, I think it was a high goal for the team with the injuries they've had to get into the 8. If we still make it, I will be genuinely impressed and pleased. Lets not forget, 10-15 minutes into the second halves in both the last two games we were ahead. I think in the 5 wins we still maintain that. I just feel half the pack is genuinely knackered. Given the regime I'm sure Wiki had put them under, and rightly so, I have no complaints with their efforts, they just look stuffed.
