16 replies to this topic

[kev]

We just ran out of puff in the second half....F#$%!

A win next week puts us back in the race - the boys will get a bit of work at training after that missing so many tackles.

[taniwharugby]

as has been the case for a couple of years, our close in defence is very good, but seems weak 2 out.

Also we ran out of the line far too much tonight.

But, FUCK is about all you can say for that, another match we shoulda won, but didnt...

[justin77]

GUTTED!!!! Another one slips in the last few minutes..For the majority of that match we were odds on for a victory and BANG its taken away again..

I still feel there's enough to suggest we'll take Southland to the cleaners next week. As you guys say our defence around that middle channel is suss, but I reckon if we can clean that up we'll have no probs with the Banjo Strummers next week. Whilst they've been trucking nicely they're due for the old banana skin..

Attended the match with Champ and FNHayden and heaps of other Northland supporters, made heaps of noise but unfortunately couldn't help bring our guys home, DAMN!

[taniwharugby]

our lienout, we lost 5 not straight (4 to Tu'u and 1 to Dow?) not to mention the ones they nicked, the fact we we actually in the game is amazing with the amount of ball we turned over.

Our scrum looked better this week too, reckon Fa'anunu looks unfit though.

[justin77]

taniwharugby said:

our lienout, we lost 5 not straight (4 to Tu'u and 1 to Dow?) not to mention the ones they nicked, the fact we we actually in the game is amazing with the amount of ball we turned over.

Our scrum looked better this week too, reckon Fa'anunu looks unfit though.

He hasn't played in a month, so hopefully it's just match fitness for him..I thought our scrum was much better last night, obviously Tialata went off early but even before then we held our own. All that was bloody offset by our lineout though, terrible! Got sort it for Southland or Bekhuis and co will have a field day..

[kev]

The lineout itself is Ok just the throwing - by the time we had to start throwing to the front, Wellington were on to it. With work on that aspect we will be ok.

Yes - Fa'anunu is unfit, which creates a problem. Wallis still looks the most balanced player ( much better this time at scrum ) but only a 40 minute option it seems. I thought Ross Wright looked in trouble at scrum time. So do you start with Fa'anunu and then bring on Wallis or the other way?

We can't have 4 props again because we were one "impact" loose forward short. If Sam Barker is fit I would love to see him on the bench. If Ross Wright is a genuine hooker option then I would think about having him on the bench itstead of Dow to cover that ???

Also was the game more frantic this time? beause we ran out of puff whereas we played 80 minutes prior.

I think we can get up this time - coming up for the game. Our backline has been fantastic and am really enjoying the rugby this year. A home win is a must

Edited by kev, 29 August 2010 - 01:18 PM.

[cricketman]

Gutted! It was a bloody entertaining game of footy though, and I bet would have been great to actually be there. I just had a feeling that we would lose this one closely and sure enough a spirited 2nd half fight back and some sloppy defence was enough to make that happen.

Our backs look bloody good in space though.

[Baron Silas Greenback]

I watched the first half of this game and Northland just looked so composed.

[taniwharugby]

the second half we seemed to run out of puff, although I might add that 2 tries were scored Holwell was off for blood, and they scored a try down his channel...such a shame to come so close again!!

[Baron Silas Greenback]

I was just surprised the patience and composure shown by the side. Thats a sign to me that the senior players are controlling things well on the field... plus thrashing the Poo gave some real 'oomph' to the campaign.

[taniwharugby]

yeah, for the most part, pretty happy with the way things are going (lineout aside, if you lose that many you will struggle) so 3 seasons ago, they had to learn how to win again, now they need to learn how to close out games...

Payne, Murray, Burman, Bancroft all taking leading roles as well as Holwell, even Ranger when available seems to have stepped up as well.

Edited by taniwharugby, 30 August 2010 - 11:07 AM.

[Chiefy]

I think it is time to start Dow. Tuu'u is bloody good around the park, but enough is enough with the bloody throwing.

Prop is still a headache for us, no one wants to put their hand up to partner Bronson who is as usual in great form. We are really missing Justin Davies. I think Dean Budd must be catching a few eyes with his form this season, but might need to sharpen up his tackling if he is going to crack a Super 15 team. I wouldn't mind seeing Griffin come in for Burman to give us a bit more grunt.

Rhyan Caine played really well, the competition between him and Hamilton is pretty fierce. It works out well if Caine maintains this form because it allow's Hamilton to come on with 20 to go and really stretch teams around the fringes with his pace. I continue to be impressed with Bancroft's form, he must be a Super 14 contender somewhere if he maintains this form. Ranger and Payne were great, their work together for the first two tries was awesome to watch. I'm still unimpressed with Hauraki, that missed tackle on Vito for Vito's try was quite poor IMO.

A game we should have won comfortably, oh well if we can maintain the first half form for 80 minutes this week it will be an easy victory against the Stags.

[Chiefy]

kev said:

I think we can get up this time - coming up for the game. Our backline has been fantastic and am really enjoying the rugby this year. A home win is a must

PM me mate if you want to catch up for a yarn before the game

[Duluth]

I finally got to see the game. The lineout again was not good enough but the game slipped when Holwell was in the bloodbin. The solidity he adds to the defence cannot be under estimated

[taniwharugby]

you would have to say that as the Northland lineout has barely improved in seasons, Blair Larsen isnt exactly enhancing his credentials...

[BOPRED]

taniwharugby said:

the second half we seemed to run out of puff, although I might add that 2 tries were scored Holwell was off for blood, and they scored a try down his channel...such a shame to come so close again!!

How is Holwell. Although you now how good he is, you appreciate it more when hes not there.

Take a lesson from the Bay. Drop the cross bar on the oppositions head during warm up. Although McINTOSH might just bend the bar if it hits him in the head.

[kev]

Chiefy said:

PM me mate if you want to catch up for a yarn before the game

Trying but the message system seems a bit hit & miss.