I am absolutely disgusted. I saw absolutely NO passion for the gold jumper tonight.
Kudos to the Blacks, they knew our weaknesses and they exploited them ruthlessly. Dagg punished in open field and kick return, the Black piggies flew into the rucks with precision, and Dan Carter punished with his boot.
Even when we had a mountain of possession, the Blacks were totally in control. What is worse than a 22-0 scoreline? The fact that the All Blacks can play better. A lot better.
By contrast, the Wobs lacked imagination. Any momentum we had was snuffed out with poor support play, in contact and in open play. Our mindset of 'when in doubt, kick' served us poorly. HOW MANY TIMES DOES IT TAKE FOR US TO LEARN TO NOT KICK TO DAGG?
Early in the first half, our lineout was ascendent. However, when the Wobs kicked, they refused to kick to touch, and take advantage of the faltering Black lineout. Consequently, the Blacks regained their lineout composure, and then started pressuring our lineout!
Tactics were non existent. Support was non existent. I saw Moore take the ball up near the Black line in the second half, and no one was in support to secure the ball from the ruck. Not surprisingly, we got penalised for holding on. Numerous times, our poor body height and inaccuracy at the breakdown failed to shift bodies.
Body height when taking the ball up is also an issue. Why are the Wobs constantly running into defence upright?? Low body height and leg drive are your friends. It also helps when there is another forward right up your clacker, providing extra go forward over the advantage line. The Wobs do know what the advantage line is, don't they?
I will say that Timani had a good game tonight. I was actually impressed with his work ethic. Moore never took a backward step either. Other than that, our forward pack let us down. Again.
I am still confused as to what game plan our backs were running. Barnes featured heavily. Cooper was anonymous. Mitchell went off injured, and again Digby was left to carry the ball forward. I know it is difficult when our forwards are getting smashed, but this is incomprehensible.
Get the fucking passion back boys, I am sick and tired of mediocre rugby that is being played. This problem is systemic.