Having had some time to get over the numbness that is a draw.
Firstly, great game. It was wet, tough, and the ref was problematic. We fought our way back into the match and the ABs fought furiously hard to deny us. It was hard, tough, uncompromising and our forwards stepped up.
It wasn't a game for Beale to loop, which didn't stop him trying I note, and it wasn't a game to try run the outside track pushing the pass. Which by and large we didn't.
I liked the use of Horne up the middle. It didn't quite come off but it showed good intent and he regularly made good ground. Hooper was like a jack rabbit and seemed to be able to cut through the first two tacklers at will.
On not taking the kick, It was a controversial call, especially in the wet but I could see a merit to it. One man up, finally with some possession to give the boys a decent crack, and a decent prospect another penalty will come. I had no issues with it at the time, and had it paid off itwould have been the right decision.
Slipper was a revelation, worked his ass off, I felt he reached a new level last night. But all our forwards did, they deserve a lot of credit and I think they will take a lot out of that game.
On Beale, I think by and large he was ok. I think flyhalves have a lot less influence in wet games, and he seemed to grow into it. I wouldn't select him, or Cooper, I prefer a Toomoua or Foley, but its McKenzies prerogative to opt for a more creative playmaker and Beale, like Cooper is that. I just think that their magic tricks are least effective against comprehensive defenses like the ABs. Having said all that I really liked his post game comments, and I think he will do well in the next game.
