Personally after years of dross from the Tahs I was happy to see some intent to play from them instead of continuous one out runners until all was lost and they cut free. Indeed I was happy to see them play with such endeavour and lose. I would rather that than them play with the utter boring grind that they have trotted out year after year and manage a slender win here and there.
The only criticism I have, and it isn't isolated to the Tahs in Australian Rugby, is the lack of accuracy and poor execution of skills. The excuses factory run over time as usual to "put it in context" that this was the first game for the poor old Tahs and of course the oldy but goody, the ball was slippery because of humidity/sweat or heaven forbid rain. I am sick of excuses, these are professional players if they cannot handle a damp ball they are not up to the job and they should go back to playing socially. NZ players play a passing and running game in torrential rain and freezing winds without dropping the ball that much in two games. They also kick with accuracy and purpose. Until these basic skills can be executed at least most of the time the Tahs will remain an also ran side.
But apart from that gripe, I was happy that they had a go and they ran with a truly attacking structure and I reiterate, I would much rather that than a continuation of the same old dour game they have played for years. Yes there is a time and a place, but the fact of the matter is for the Tahs, they cannot play that way because they have managed to isolate themselves from all but their most rabid fans and must play free attacking rugby at all costs to win some hearts and minds back. Maybe after they have done that they can play to the conditions and opposition as the situation demands.
