I don’t know if it is just stupid optimism, but one thing I like is that when we were down 17 - 0 I wasn’t thinking ‘shit, we are going to get smashed’. I always felt confident we would get our run of possession and, when we did, we would score some points. I’d go as far as to say I still felt confident we’d win.
I agree with the earlier comments about Hockings - really needs to work hard on his breakdown work but, that said, the rest of his game was a big step up from last week and showed much more of what he is capable of. I hope he can get his breakdown accuracy/effectiveness nailed quickly because, if he does, he will really be something (and if he doesn’t he’ll never really make it as a top line lock where breakdown skills are bread and butter).
Tupou keeps getting better. His game is far less about the big charges now - there is quality right through his game. He’ll still get better at scrums too, so it will be fun watching how good he can be.
Thorn’s interview after the gaming was compelling. I think there was a lot of relief along with a fair amount of pride. Clearly felt the importance of getting the win.
He commented specifically on the Malolua/McDermott selection and confirmed he was giving Malolua his opportunity and that there was nothing more to it then that.
