Jack Tuttle reaffirmed his status as the best player in the competition last night. Singlehandedly won the TSS game and nearly toppled Churchie by himself. Another thing I noticed about the ACGS vs NC game - it was physical. Nudgee wouldn't give up an inch and each team looked like they were really, thoroughly enjoying hitting each other.
Some notes on each team:
ACGS
- Didn't really live up to the hype. The interior of the backline looked a shambles, the standout was Gus McClanachan at 12. The wings in the Nudgee game - Monty Ioane and Jaidon Schafer - looked the goods and I'd be surprised not to see them as the starting pair. Schafer will at least be in 13, and Alex West looks in real trouble of not having a spot.
- The tight 5 is a real issue, especially at the scrum. Got dominated by both other packs. Even lineout looked fairly sloppy, a few balls from Joe Warriner went askew and the backup hooker seemed to play better.
- The backrow was impressive, especially Oppenheimer who nearly had a try in both games. Even Seb Georgiou made a few good runs against Nudgee (even though playing in the second row).
- Should come better with time, the backline was clearly superior to Nudgee's and should get better. Overall, their standout players for me were Oppenheimer at 8 and Schafer and especially Ioane on the wings.
NC
- Dylan Sikimeti is quick. Nearly outran the entire Churchie backline.
- Have a very good scrum, and a massive team. Their forwards were easily superior to Churchie's.
- The backline is rubbish. Apart from Tuttle, who was the standout player of the night. Miscommunication (which nearly cost a try against Churchie) and dropped pill was the theme of the night. A lot of work to go.
- The backline defence was good against Churchie, kept them in the game when Churchie was charging on late.
TSS
- Not much to say really. Were strong throughout both games but I think they were benefitted by playing ACGS and Nudgee after they'd bashed each other up. Outside backs do look to be a strong point, and the forwards held their own with Nudgee.
- Let up a pretty weak try to Churchie in the end, which was a sorry way to end their game.