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There have been a number of comments from players and commentators that the speed of the TT games have been significantly higher than in Super AU. It’s not surprising that players have taken time to adjust and that most teams are still struggling with that. The question is whether the...

There are a couple of surprises there for me. Campbell at 15 & Ala'alatoa above Tupou. I get he has higher workrate but I would’ve thought Tupou’s involvements had much more influence. Also surprised neither Smith nor Mounga got a mention.

A look at the stats is quite interesting. On the one hand Wilson & ASY (Angus Scott-Young), who both struggled for post contact metres in Super Rugby AU, are suddenly making consistent metres and Wilson is finding holes again. On the flip side ASY (Angus Scott-Young) missed 7 tackles from 16 attempts whereas in Super AU I think he...

I like Lomani.

I think you have to compare these stats in combination with their contribution in attack. Some players have high stats on one side of the ball, but low on the other. On top of that there has to be consideration of other factors which aren’t all measured by stats - - lineout takes & steals...

I know it is tongue in cheek - but I think the take out is if you are more disciplined then the opposition you’ll be a chance.

I thought what tonight showed more than anything is how much work our bench has to do to get to Super Rugby standard with the exception of McReight & Uru. Zander, Nasser, Nonggorr, Thomas & Droasese all a sizeable step down.

I’m ecstatic

Yes, that does paint it in a very different context.

I guess the issue though is whether there is any truth that Johnson didn’t follow up on communication. If Gill was given a figure which wasn’t enough to entice him to the table, or if he gave a figure that was outside RAs appetite, then it is one thing for the discussions to end with both...

I know White is seen as a lock in for 9, but on his form this year Gordon is making a pretty good case to challenge that. Our weakness in kicking in other positions probably means White will still be first choice, but Gordon seems to have really lifted his standard this year.

Tupou made 7 runs for 22 metres. That’s reasonable. Only 1 tackle from 3 attempts though. Every starting Reds player had at least 1 missed tackle. Most had multiple.

I thought Tupou was one of the too few guys who gave the Crusdaders trouble last night. He’s biggest issue was ball control and that wasn’t anything the Kiwis were doing. It’s not like he was making 30 metre runs every time he touched the ball in Super AU.

If I recall correctly the Reds short kicking game did lead to a couple quick tries last night. None of them for us, mind you, but clearly they are keeping the score board ticking over. Jokes aside, the reality is that you do need to have variety in your kicking game - so I don’t mind the use...

I’d have to watch it again to be more definitive - but pretty much wherever Richie Mo’unga was.

I agree - it makes it impossible for Hegarty to know he’s got to release.

Fair enough. I thought it was pretty simultaneous at the time, but I haven’t gone back to it. If that’s the case then - yes, you do want the ref to call it, but it’s still a penalty.

I like Campbell at fullback. If they aren’t going to pick him there then pick Daugunu on the wing and put Campbell on the bench. I don’t understand the strategy with Campbell & Hegarty together. I guess that Thorn can say they won the Super AU with that configuration but, to me, Daugunu should...

You do when they can, but sometimes the offence occurs in a split second. I only ref 7s, and it actually happens quite a bit there - the ball is stripped as the players knee touches the ground. It’s impossible to warn the person stripping the ball to release - but it is the rule. Edit: if you...

Fraser’s rule on the Hegarty strip was right - and it’s not the first time I’ve seen it called. It’s just the way the rule is. If you are in the process of stripping the ball as the player gets his knee to the ground it’s a penalty. It’s similiar to getting penalised when you get trapped in a...