i thought it was an absolutely atrocious first 20 minutes and had me thinking that if they continue this way, it's going to be another long season.
picked up nicely though after that.
it was very refreshing to see such an excellent lineout. yes the force are short, but wykes is a tall man and regardless, last year we would've lost half those lineouts.
scrum was strong though there was some sloppiness with our rucking at times.
i thought the tight 5 and back 5 all looked great.
Delve was a machine, Pyle was excellent and Luke Jones was truely getting amongst it.
Robinson recovered after a horrid first 20 and i was quite pleased with all three props. weekes looks good and fit.
phipps played solidly. reasonably quick service and looked like he tackled well.
i didn't think beale was too effective at fly half and now reallly believe JOC (James O'Connor) and he should switch positions.
Beale didn't open the backs up enough, it seemed they opened up when JOC (James O'Connor) got the ball. as a result, Inman and Sidey didn't see much ball.
Kingi played great. he looks fit and healthy and he made a few good tackles and of course the two tries...
lachlan mitchell, for all my man love, is going to have a very hard time sticking in the game day 22 once the likes of Vuna and potentially woodward are fit.
he has heart and great work ethic, but his pace is just that little bit off the mark that leaves him behind as a winger. a better back up centre imo.
force lookes sharp. they will not be pushovers. I thought Tuopo? looked very deadly every time he touched it. great hands, huge frame, powerful and fast. great looking player. ditto malfi and i thought delitt looked imposing. mathewson was quick and dangerous all night. horrible yellow card.