As an ex joeys boy of an era of domination, I fully expected a win against Scots although blind freddy could see that Scots would rise for this game. So, obviously I am disappointed SJC didn't win, especially given the recent history in the GPS.
So, it was with some trepidation I watched the game as posted.
Firstly,
I don't think Joeys will be overly unhappy.
Sure they didn't get the result but the margins in this game were the slimmest.
Without No 6, the Scots fwd pack loses an enormous amount of firepower, although Joeys were dominated at the breakdown particularly with some lightweight runners by the outside backs.
I guess when you pit a 100+KG fwd against a 70KG winger, the result is generally predictable.
However, the Joeys lineout was very good and the scrum, with the exception of one scrum in the first half, showed the strength of the Joeys pack, pushing through Scots regularly, inexplicably not gaining the penalty advantage at times.
Both backlines have talent and the ability to bust the line however I think the tactic from Scots of running at Joeys rather kicking away possesion proved the game winning tactic.
Some ball retention issues for Joeys also.
Scots, I would say, played to expectation whilst Joeys not so.
Game 2 will be an interesting one.
Finally, what a amazing level of school boy rugby.
