Sooo that was better than anything i saw from the Tahs last year. So that's something. On the other hand, really should've won against a Reds side that threw next to nothing at them.
some positive obs:
- Newsome looks excellent at fullback. I never would have picked it but he barely put a foot wrong.
- Perese continues to look fucking deadly. Could tidy up his decision making a little but for the most part is clearly our best backline player.
- Gordon played quite well (although a few points deducted for some average kicks).
- Pack looks a lot better. Cridge and Holloway seem a huge upgrade on whatever flogs we had in the second row last year.
- Bell continues to impress.
negatives:
- Donaldson is a fucking shitshow. I've been saying it and other blokes on here have been saying he's a future Wallaby. Not. a. chance.
- Wingers aren't great. It should never have ended up in Donaldson's hands for that non-try. Pietsch had the space any other winger would've used to score.
- Why take a drop goal when you have advantage right in front? Roll the dice on getting a 5 pointer and if not come back and take the 90% shot at goal. Seems to be a general theme with Aussie teams and advantage. Just as likely to use advantage for a pick and go.
- as always, depth. Horton isn't up to it and not sure Edmed is going to offer much more than Donaldson. etc.
Edit:
On the Reds side of things i thought McReight and Wilson were both immense. McReight was a proper menace on the ball and Wilson defended and carried extremely well.
Otherwise, it was a shit performance from them and a minor miracle they won. Any other team would have tucked them away for plenty.