Lions v Reds - 2011R07

[Richard D. James]

Mitchell certainly would have been targeting Harris and it takes some time to gain proficiency at taking those high balls (for most players). I would give him another chance, there's really no one else at the moment who is fit is there?

 

[Scotty]

Cooper defended in the line iirc but wasn't really tested?

 

[vidiot]

Mitchell certainly would have been targeting Harris and it takes some time to gain proficiency at taking those high balls (for most players). I would give him another chance, there's really no one else at the moment who is fit is there?

Morahan to 15, Ioane back to the wing, Harris to 13. At the risk of turning Harris into AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper).

 

[James Buchanan]

Morahan to 15, Ioane back to the wing, Harris to 13. At the risk of turning Harris into AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper).

He hasn't played enough games yet to be 'turning him into an AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'. He needs to see where he fits at this level. Going on this weekend it is probably not 15. At the same time, if I remember correctly Morahan isn't much better under the high ball either.

 

[vidiot]

Apart from Genia and Cooper, Davies has been the most consistent of the backs catching the ball in the air.

Of course the answer to almost any question when you're filling a hole in the backline is HIGGINBOTHAM!

He was great last night. Worked hard carrying the ball in tight, and was one of the dominant forces in the lineout.

 

[liquor box]

I thought Digby had another great game, but there was something I just cant put my finger on that I did not like. When he is on the wing and he comes infield for the ball he has an element of suprise, when he is at centre the opposition seems to be more prepared for him.

He is still skilled enough to weave his magic, but I did not think he looked as effective from centre.

I am pleased with a win but we really needed the bonus point as well.

 

[Victorian Reds Fan]

Morahan to 15, Ioane back to the wing, Harris to 13. At the risk of turning Harris into AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper).

Would not mind seeing that happen. Chambers must really be struggling for form as he was good last year.

 

[DCSH]

DDoes anyone have a link for the highlights of this game?

 

[Victorian Reds Fan]

Highlights will be up on youtube soon. Tony uploads therm quickly.

 

[Tangawizi]

Foxsports are terrible at loading up match highlights on a Sunday for some reason. Both Supersport and SkySport NZ have the highlights clips up but can't watch due to "rights restrictions". Meanwhile Foxsports are so shithouse they haven't got the clips up 15 hours later.....

 

[Ruggo]

Good win but not pretty. I think we hummed along in third gear and kept some cards up our sleeves for next week. A couple of poor decisions towards the end is a shame as we really should of taken the bonus goat.

 

[Victorian Reds Fan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBAWKVZSe1M

 

[Lee Grant]

I thought Digby had another great game, but there was something I just cant put my finger on that I did not like. When he is on the wing and he comes infield for the ball he has an element of surprise, when he is at centre the opposition seems to be more prepared for him.

He is not a centre, or rather: not a very good one. The 13 can't go walkabout on a backline move as a winger can, and Diggers should, because he so good at it. Besides: I remember a few games at centre in the past when he read the game poorly on defence. Also he is not a great passer of the ball and like many players, takes options to avoid his shortcomings. Thus, too often he runs with the ball a few steps too many, as we saw against the Cheetahs; then the last second frantic pass is a low percentage one.

As a winger that is tolerable if balanced by good stuff, but it can't be countenanced in an outside centre.


He had a terrific game at Ellis Park though, or whatever they call it these days, and so did QC (Quade Cooper).Great to see Horwill galloping around the park back to his best. Slipper, Beau, Genia and Davies looked good too. We can underestimate the diligence of Davies chasing kick after kick but his team mates wouldn't.


A pity about the Harris starting debut at fullback, because it would serve the Reds well to have any excuse to start him in games. He is an elite goal kicker and the exercise he gave the touchies raising their flags last night can be duplicated game after game after game, as we saw in the ITM Cup. Who knows: without him the Reds could have lost a parallel game in another universe.


We saw some of the worst features of the Reds in the first half: poor structure and trying moves that were not earned up front, nor at the right end of the park. But to their credit they changed tack after oranges and they played winning rugby - and won.


If they play like that for the whole game against the Stormers they have every chance of causing an upset.


There was criticism in this thread of ref Munroe in this game, and he wasn't in top form was he? Of the two teams, the Lions have more to complain about: the Slipper spear tackle was a red card offence if ever I have seen one.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Harris has played most of his Footy at 1st and 2nd/5. So to "fit him in" I doubt they will break up the Cooper/Finger combo. As much as Quade drops back in defence, Finger has served as insurance when Quade is in the defensive line.

So that leaves 13 or back 3. I just don't think he has the type of attacking game for a back 3 type of player

 

[tranquility]

Lee,

You know what, I am going to have to disagree. I think that just like Tana, Digby's long term position is 13. He is only about 25 and he is already becoming a little slow to play on the wing. His tackle shredding ability is world class, and his tackling technique is good. His defensive nous at 13 can only improve with experience, as too will his catch-pass skills if he is consistently put in '2 on 1' positions. We have already seen digby improve his skill-set so it is not as if he is not evolving. He also does not have a very good kicking game for long term Wallaby back three player. Either way, either position - I am just glad he is on my side of the pitch.

 

[Ruggo]

Harris made his mistakes for sure but let's not forget this was his starting debut in Super Rugby. He will be much better next week sand what are his strengths will be a huge asset against the Stormers.

 

[Finsbury Girl]

Harris seemed scared of the bl**dy pill. Shocking effort with only his kicking giving him a pass mark.

It must be me (again) but I saw Leroy once in the game (scrums aside) - is he seagulling in the backline all day?

Genia again for me excellent, what a quality player he is. QC (Quade Cooper) actually tackled and waited for the pigs to get into the game before turning on the razzle dazzle, kicked for field position when needed. Top game.

Tight 5 - hmmm. Again took a while to get into the game. If they do that against WP next week, they'll be 20 points down before they know it. They have to start from the get go.

Slipper, Hanson again very very good (dodgy spear tackle aside - which for me was pretty innocuous).

Happy for the win. Bring on those kaapies!

 

[Hawko]

Slipper, Hanson again very very good (dodgy spear tackle aside - which for me was pretty innocuous).

Happy for the win. Bring on those kaapies!

We need a reality check. He was lifted above the horizontal and then driven down. It was not innocuous just because he didn't hit his head and get carted off in an ambulance. Take off the rose coloured glasses, it was a bad tackle and will get at least two weeks.

 

[Finsbury Girl]

We need a reality check. He was lifted above the horizontal and then driven down. It was not innocuous just because he didn't hit his head and get carted off in an ambulance. Take off the rose coloured glasses, it was a bad tackle and will get at least two weeks.

Sorry mate it's not tiddly winks, never looked like being hurt.

 

[barbarian]

Bad tackle. Going by the precedents set by Cooper and Fourie last year he will get a couple of weeks.