Rubbish result but I thought an interesting close game.
Disappointed that we chose so consistently to not defend the line out on their throw - and then little creativity on our throw other than maul it, often from #2. Big thumbs up to a swapped Slipper and Bell - talk about thrown in the deep end. First reversed scrum was a doosey. Presume that Tupou was not allowed back on the HIA. The disruption to the front row will not have helped that game at all.
We made little hard ground through the forwards. In this first game my gut feel was that neither Arnold nor Skelton made a difference in making the hard yards. Backed up by the stats: Arnold: 1m; Skelton: 2m Add to that Rodda: 3m. Hooper, Letta and Faiinga did all the work in go forward, but little or nothing from the engine room, all out wide. To be fair to them, the Scottish locks fared no better and Rodda did top the tackle count with 10.
Without go forward JOC (James O'Connor) was always going to battle. Paisami and Perese both had an impact but tried too much going solo. Beale, despite my reservations did not look out of place but will he ever learn to not run into contact high? While he was no game winner I'd stick with him on the bench going forward.
I thought White was masterful, Tate showing some pressure under passing without noticeable speed improvement. If something doesn't give there, White can go 80.
Had we taken our chances with points in the first half the nature of the game, let alone the result, may have been different.
We can be pleased that we gave Scotland a good hit-out. Still, you'd be mad not to have apprehension approaching England in a week. At least Arnold and Skelton will be better for the run in WB systems.