He played but didn't stand out. Perhaps because he just arrived after a game of league but he tends to hold on to the ball too long and doesn't pass when he should ... One person from the Canterbury team that stood out was the No.4 ... Afele was brilliant!
Kiwi,
He didn't come from a league game my friend, I asked this question of his coach; he arrived late because he was at NSW Schools training that morning at Newington.
With respect to not playing well, in the second half I am sure I seen Morgan put the rampaging Robert Taufa (hell I love this lad) into the clear on at least four occasions? In one such instance he put Taufa in for a try. Both made (a normally very safe) Winterstien look very indecisive throughout the whole of the second half and it was only the cover defence of the Merrylands flankers that prevented Taufa from scoring a hat-trick. From reviewing my notes I also have Morgan cutting back in toward a ruck and making a solid 40-45m up the centre of the field beating several tackles along the way. Morgan's defence (like the rest of the Canterbury team) left a lot to be desired I must admit!
IMO the Canterbury backs were their saving grace. I was particularly impressed with Kagiassis who scored a brilliant try in the early stages of the first half. With respect to your assessment of the Canterbury's #4; I could not agree with you more (did he not come of injured toward the end). Nonetheless, for mine the game was won in the forwards and the Canterbury forwards seemed to be somewhat apprehensive, especially with a run-a-way Afele coming their way. Ultimately this where the game was eventually decided with three great tries in 10 short minutes coming on the back of great close quarter forward play. I was especially impressed with the Merrylands flanker whose number I meant to write down after the game. He was tireless! A truly sensational player!
On a final note I was a little disappointed not to see Jake Robert play! I have not seen him play since State Championship where IMO certain Norths and Gordon players got the (very rare) better of him. Nevertheless the surprise appearance of Afele more than made up for his omission. Correct me if I am wrong but I am almost positive that I saw Afele in a leg cast at the SJRU v. KG (Japan School) game!
Anyway we're off to the City v Country game this weekend! My money is on the 'Boys from the Bush' this year. They were awesome at Regional and SJRU do not seem to have their 'MOJO' this year I am afraid. Nevertheless SJRU have the rampaging Afele in their corner and unless some Country forward is ready and willing to step up to the plate and take him on we can expect him to make huge metres for City. If he does you can almost guarantee a sniping and astute Jamo Clark will capitalise on such runs! Clark’s battle with Tulloch will be a enough to get the crowds in alone!
See you out there sports fans!
Regards,
Newbie.
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