Without watching the game and the comments about missing alby, how did sias play? Were the rebels effective at disrupting quick ball at the breakdown? Prior is a capable halfback imo. I dont particularly want to read about how bad the ref was.
Sias was okay. Nothing special. Bombed an almost certain try. Kicked relatively well at goal and out of hand but did nothing else of note. I'd say we definitely missed Alby although there are some things I do like about Prior. Between Alby, Hayward and Morahan we are lacking spark.
We had the opportunity to go up on either side of half time which might have made the difference but we couldn't cross the chalk after multiple phases on the Rebels line. The Force of previous weeks would've come away with points in my opinion. Although props to the Rebs for some very committed and pretty disciplined defence.
The ref was fine. Nothing the ref did had a significant impact on the game. The Rebels edged us in the set piece (esp the scrum) and were probably equal at the breakdown. They were strong defensively and out-enthused us.
Definitely agree with Qwerty on the player in the air stuff. It didn't have a bearing on this game but I'd be pissed off it if happened down the track and did affect a result. As long as you don't take the legs out from under the player, I don't see any issue with it when the player jumps to take a pass.
Hopefully we will be in better shape mentally and physically against the Bulls next week. We need to beat them to stay in touch of the finals.
