Seriously Sage, where do you think our boys are at? I thought we were going to come out firing in Round 1 but there seems to be a massive disconnect. Maybe a bit exaggerated but far out.
Well it's probably a combination of being a bit too individual and not have complete trust at this stage. The leaders this year have been solid, but don't seem to have the spark of last year. So it is all in front of them. I think the TSS game was a very good performance and they could have lost that one by a lot, but didn't. Since then they look like a completely different team; maybe they were deflated a little? maybe one guy is relying on another to do their work? Their defense work has lapsed a little; waiting instead of a straight line and up. I don't know, can't put my finger on it.
But at this stage they look a little vulnerable and only THEY can improve that themselves. THEY can do it, a little self belief. Bit of a mental thing for them at the moment and they just need to do it; make a spark, set that TNT ON, do their job, and then help others do theirs as well.
But from my experience the best thing to do is to get the basics right; tackle (don't grapple) and be there in numbers, draw and pass, run straight, get in their faces, simple and easy line-outs (even if repetitive) and tackle till the final whistle. They look fit so they have the potential, just gotta get their heads right and thinking winning, I suppose. And NO Patriot that doesn't mean win at all costs; just good solid footy, with self belief and trust in each other.