That was fucken awesome!!!!! Keep playing like that and the Tahs could beat anyone. It wasn't perfect (and the Chiefs were average at best) but the general attitude was spot on. Hickey made the big calls on team selection and has been totally vindicated (as regards the starting 15 anyway).
Robinson was huge in the scrums. He got the Tahs on top of the Chiefs pack from the off. When Tilse (I thought NTA was being harsh about him - if anything, having seen what Tilse can do, I'd say he was being generous in his criticism) came on the difference was stark. I have to agree with Hawko that Palmer has to be on the bench for the rest of the season. We need the best 22 in the squad (what he does next year is irrelevant - he is a Tahs player now, and will play to win - as he has done every time he has been on).
TPN was awesome as ever. I can't believe Hickey would risk him when he was clearly knackered, and clutching his shoulder, AND THE MATCH WAS PRETTY MUCH ALREADY WON. When he came on Fitzpatrick did a good job.
Douglas does run a bit high, but he did a lot of great work all over the park, and had so much energy and aggression too. it makes me so happy to have him playing so well at such a young age. Mumm was very solid, without being too flashy too (some great runs and jumping though).
McCutcheon had a great debut start. Again energy and aggression great.
Waugh was huge again, and even put on some good passes and made some good runs. Yes he is bulky, but he gets around the park (and when he isn't there McCutcheon is excellent cover).
Mowen was excellent (as always) in the lineout, and his running wide of the ruck was very effective (but not so much in heavy traffic).
The quality and quantity of ball the forwards provided meant the backs could strut their stuff - and they did.
I agree that Beale is pushing for Wallaby selection. His vision and timing were amazing, and his defence was solid up until late in the match when all the Tahs were pretty tired, and had it wrapped up. He broke tackles all over the place, and followed it up with some magic plays.
Barnes did well at 10 and as Hawko pointed out, curtailed the urge to kick when other options were available. Carter did a lot of the tough work at 12, but also showed some nice handling. Horne was a ball of fury, which meant he was often effective both in attack and defence, but also a little bit erratic.
Mitchell and Turner was brilliant in all facets of their play. Their willingness to run and use their pace has been a constant this season, but I was particularly pleased to see Mitchell's stinging defence and Turner's kick off regathering.
I thought both Halangahu and Anesi did OK when they came on. Halangahu is very solid, with great kicking and pretty good running and distribution. Anesi is not a dangerous ball runner, but his committment is not in question - I think of him as the sort of guy who could hold on the match for you, but maybe not win one for you (he certainly is not a marquee player).
The first choice 15 was spot on. Tilse needs a bit more time to get himself sorted before he should be on the bench ahead of Palmer (in reality, probably never). I agree with Hawko on Hickey's use of the bench (and I would add also his use of the squad) - not at all good. Although there were some great performances all round, there is still room for improvement, especially things like the erratic passing and general ball security (not every team is as obliging as the Chiefs were).
Same sort of result next week and I for one will be happy.
