Absolutely. Which is why what followed was so depressing

Thats when we needed him to take control and move us around the pitch, dictate our exit sets and put himself in good positions to put a good kick in at the end of it. Yes we looked decent in brief spells when close to the line but TBH most teams this weekend looked decent when close to the opposition line. We just didn't get there often enough. One positive was the depth of our attack but we really struggled with the basics for some reason.

In fairnes to Rovers the were on top and we had no room, the pack could have done better although I agree Long could have kicked better.

Thought Radders looked very good, tweeked a hamstring according to his post match interview- hope it is only a minor one? We put ourselves under pressure with the stupid penalties and silly basic errors, coughing up too much possession .

And then the momentum changed by bringing on Dowes and the tempo changed from front foot aggression to back foot passive defence. Agar should have brought on Hame with Moa to keep the tempo going and use Dowes for later in the game when we should have been holding on to the lead we could and should have improved upon. Very bad rotation when Hame could have finished Ogre's work finishing Galea off.

And so it begins...

A similar defensive effort next week and we'll be looking at 50 points against. Success is built on defence and it was this aspect that really disappointed me today. I really find myself wondering again about our levels of fitness. I say it every year. Not sure if Ben Cooper is the answer. Other teams have better line speed and keep it going for much longer.

Pretty much sums up my thoughts. A totally bizarre use of the forwards from the bench today.

So true I said this to the other half, I've not seen us attack with such depth for years though it did'nt last. If you watched the crusaders game when sammut came on he was so deep in attack he gave/made himself so much room the defense was unsure.

...............as water carrier.

Yes but he must have spent a lot of energy with all that running. Do that and you compromise your energy for the five drives.



Sorry, I'm still stone cold sober and feeling well hacked off. Mr B's gone off in a sulk as well. Not a happy household tonight.

i'm not sober but still hackec off.

Got to say the Newcastle Brown numbed the pain a bit.

Really sorry to see it, he's been a massive servant for this club for 8 years I believe, he was fit for purpose when we signed him as that was what the game plans of all teams required.
Todays game is a requirement of impact and aggression from start to finish, rock steady plodders are no longer a part of the game now.

got to agree but washy should of been on the bench instead of dowesy anyway

Took no pleasure making the comment,but unfortunatly there is no room for sentiment either,Think it was a mistake /panic measure re signing him.

Sadly I agree

In the context of what actually happened in the forward rotation, you're right.

True!

for me the whole rotation between the forwards seemed very strange and poor tbh next week id like to see washy in for dowes as he can cover hooker and backrow but also spell fitzy so we get more game time from westy and lauaki

I have defended him in the past but got to agree Dowes was terrible when he came on, should have brought Hame on and continued the momentum. Dowes should be nowhere near our starting 17.

and Hame looked cracking for the short spell he was on too

Like you I have also defended Ewan plenty of times, in all fairness to him he does give his all the majority of the time. Unfortunately his all is not good enough it seems.

Would rather have Burnett than Dowes at least he offers go forward.

I like Dowes but they should have got rid in the close season.

Starting to maybe think the same thing, hope he comes out with a bit more this week (if he plays). He looked slow and just went through the motions.

OTOH, Burnett looked like one of Quins' better players!