Quote ="Swinton_Red"Anyone think we defend poor on the fringes? In-particular our right hand defense is shocking, Anderson, Gleeson, Williams. That right hand does not fill me with joy! Whilst ball in hand it may be okay but defensively is poor especially the Anderson, Gleeson link. On the left hand tonight, Why oh Why was Nero winger (hope he okay after injury) If Vievers is a Winger / Full Back play him then! The Gibson / Nero combo did not work for me at all, 3 times Watkins stood Gibson up wit the same move resulting in tries (Not taking way Watkins ability). Another point on the fringe defense I think Leeds scored on the back of 2? Maybe 3 tries on the last tackle and resulting in a long wide out right (our left hand defense) Yet we didn't learn from our mistakes. Harsh lessons learnt tonight from World Champions, was not expecting a result but only to be competitive, let hope we can learn going into the Bulls game. Well done Leeds very deserved and clinical performance.'"
Is it just me or did nobody else notice that Danny Williams or Ashley Gibson were not even close to being match fit. (Rushed back too soon because of other injuries to Broughton and Moon imo) If you also consider that Nero isn't really a centre now at his age, it's hardly surprising we got exposed out wide against a class outfit like Leeds. Having no option but to switch a veteran back rower like 'Vinnie Anderson' to the centre and then the wing isn't ideal against such a quick side like Leeds.
Personally I don't think it's a harsh lesson as mentioned above because what will they have learned? They will already know that with 3/4's injuried and others not 100% that they would struggle against an inform Leeds team.
I think it's more a case of a smaller and financially inferior squad with depleted numbers in the 3/4's, facing a full strength 'world class' backline running very hot at the moment.
