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- Nov 27, 2007
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For the people that went, post up what you thought of tonights performance.
The top 13 played for about the first 30mins or so, and things were looking good.
Ennis had things moving quick out of dummy-half. He also done most of the kicking, and I can't remember one quick where the dragons fullback got one on the full. All his kicks found space and were well placed.
Matt utai had very good game. scored the first try (offload from Morris close to the line, and Utai powered his way over). Made heaps of metres up the middle, and as always provided plenty of quick play-the-balls.
Also note - Utai played most of the second half in the middle of the park, looked like he was playing in the second row. Didn;t really notice him in defense, but had plenty of hitups and even made a half break or 2. Looks promising.
Holdsworth started the game with an intercept pass which almost lead to the Dragons first try. Didn't really notice him through the game besides a few shocking passess. Done his claims no good.
BK was everywhere! Was in alot of tackles, chased his kicks and setup Barba's try. Lead the team well, structure looked alot better when he was on the field.
Stagg and Warburton both had good games. Very solid in defense and Gary also had a few good runs. Ryan?, Was MIA. didn't really notice anything he did.
Hannant had some good hitups, was good in defense. Chris Armit had a suprisingly good game, from my point of view he outplayed Hannant.
Hodgson was very impressive, brang his short passing game with him and looks more likely that he will keep a starting spot.
Crisp was alright, bit sus in defense. Although he was very good under the high ball and also wasn't as sluggish as he was last year. Doesn't look to be anything more than a backup for Patten.
Haz was ordinary, ran sideways and that's about it. Couple of good things- kicked a good goal and cleared an attacking grubber from the saints.
Idris was very enthusiastic, ran aggressively, defended well and did nothing wrong. Number 4 should be his for rd1.
Morris played as expected, was there in attacking plays and defended well.
So after the first half it was 12-12. Then the second 40 started and Moore started interchaning. But in the second half Holdsworth went to 7, and things were just falling apart.
Barba played a bit in the first half and played most of the second. Had alot more confidence in defense (had bulked up slightly), didnt miss any easy tackles, and in attack he had lost no flair, very quick and just wanted to do something with the ball. He justs needs to know when to pass and when to run, he tends to take on the line a bit.
Sullivan played 9, did his usual, passed well, a few scoots but has nothing on Ennis. Winitana went to wing, did nothing special. Goodwin was at the back and looked good. He will be the obvious choice when Haz hangs up the boots.
Morrin ran and tackled hard, put in plenty of effort. Harrison made one tackle and then got taken off after he was knocked out.
Gordan and Te Maari, well didnt even notice them much. Worsley had some good hitups, and is a big boy.
Overall, first half (when the top 13 played) we looked good and were easily competing with the Dragons. We had structure, but just need to work on combos. Ennis out of dummy half is exactly what we need, and provides quickness out of the ruck which is what will get us on top in games.
Defense was the biggest improvement. With Ryan, Stagg, Warburton and BK we defended very well. I'd like to see our missed tackles for the game as last year we were avg like 50 something missed tackles.
With General coming back, and if we can stay injury free we will have a good year.
The top 13 played for about the first 30mins or so, and things were looking good.
Ennis had things moving quick out of dummy-half. He also done most of the kicking, and I can't remember one quick where the dragons fullback got one on the full. All his kicks found space and were well placed.
Matt utai had very good game. scored the first try (offload from Morris close to the line, and Utai powered his way over). Made heaps of metres up the middle, and as always provided plenty of quick play-the-balls.
Also note - Utai played most of the second half in the middle of the park, looked like he was playing in the second row. Didn;t really notice him in defense, but had plenty of hitups and even made a half break or 2. Looks promising.
Holdsworth started the game with an intercept pass which almost lead to the Dragons first try. Didn't really notice him through the game besides a few shocking passess. Done his claims no good.
BK was everywhere! Was in alot of tackles, chased his kicks and setup Barba's try. Lead the team well, structure looked alot better when he was on the field.
Stagg and Warburton both had good games. Very solid in defense and Gary also had a few good runs. Ryan?, Was MIA. didn't really notice anything he did.
Hannant had some good hitups, was good in defense. Chris Armit had a suprisingly good game, from my point of view he outplayed Hannant.
Hodgson was very impressive, brang his short passing game with him and looks more likely that he will keep a starting spot.
Crisp was alright, bit sus in defense. Although he was very good under the high ball and also wasn't as sluggish as he was last year. Doesn't look to be anything more than a backup for Patten.
Haz was ordinary, ran sideways and that's about it. Couple of good things- kicked a good goal and cleared an attacking grubber from the saints.
Idris was very enthusiastic, ran aggressively, defended well and did nothing wrong. Number 4 should be his for rd1.
Morris played as expected, was there in attacking plays and defended well.
So after the first half it was 12-12. Then the second 40 started and Moore started interchaning. But in the second half Holdsworth went to 7, and things were just falling apart.
Barba played a bit in the first half and played most of the second. Had alot more confidence in defense (had bulked up slightly), didnt miss any easy tackles, and in attack he had lost no flair, very quick and just wanted to do something with the ball. He justs needs to know when to pass and when to run, he tends to take on the line a bit.
Sullivan played 9, did his usual, passed well, a few scoots but has nothing on Ennis. Winitana went to wing, did nothing special. Goodwin was at the back and looked good. He will be the obvious choice when Haz hangs up the boots.
Morrin ran and tackled hard, put in plenty of effort. Harrison made one tackle and then got taken off after he was knocked out.
Gordan and Te Maari, well didnt even notice them much. Worsley had some good hitups, and is a big boy.
Overall, first half (when the top 13 played) we looked good and were easily competing with the Dragons. We had structure, but just need to work on combos. Ennis out of dummy half is exactly what we need, and provides quickness out of the ruck which is what will get us on top in games.
Defense was the biggest improvement. With Ryan, Stagg, Warburton and BK we defended very well. I'd like to see our missed tackles for the game as last year we were avg like 50 something missed tackles.
With General coming back, and if we can stay injury free we will have a good year.
