That scrum penalty really killed our pressure and momentum. Was looking forward to the scrum once Holmes came on, but couldn't argue with the penalty
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That scrum penalty really killed our pressure and momentum. Was looking forward to the scrum once Holmes came on, but couldn't argue with the penalty
Just quietly, I reckon this will be Kearney's last season at this level.
Berry really doesn't care if you're supporting your weight when trying to pilfer
What was the crowd number? Looked pretty decent
Over 13500
We really missed Thrush
I must be watching something different to the referee
Who ever thought they would be saying they “missed Thrush” but without a doubt it was true tonight. His enthusiasm just lifts the whole team and we just needed that in a few places this evening.
I hope Nick Berry gets Thrush!
I thought our attack last night was another step in the right direction. Looked much better with some straight running, less shoveling and even some inside passes. McIntyre didn't look too bad either, although Miotti still looked better when he came on.
Our cleanouts and ruck security in attack were a big problem area however, especially with Berry's 'interpretations' on requirements for pilfer attempts. We need to get better at supporting players who make a break - I guess we are used to not expecting it!
We didn't put any pressure on their rucks, which must have been a tactic to keep numbers in our defensive line, but I think it would've been better to have an occasional crack when there was an opportunity as it just gave them very quick ball.
Anyway, the team is still on the up which is what we want to see. We created enough chances to win, but had a couple of costly errors and that scrum penalty followed by a yellow put us away. We're building nicely and should be right up near the pointy end of the table next year with some smart recruiting.
After watching the Canes v Rebels game, I think we should be able to get a W next week. Their defense is pretty average, as highlighted by the Rebels managing to score 2 tries!
Do you guys seriously think Nick Berry was the difference between the two sides? The lack of penetration we've had all season, the lack of a Plan B, regardless of which ref we have, might be some clues...
I seriously believe he inconsistently applied the laws of the game, and to the extent that killed our momentum at crucial times he certainly influenced the Force's game in a non-positive way. I also have difficulty reconciling the treatment of the accidental high tackle from Greg Holmes with the shoulder to the head and tip tackle the previous week against the Chiefs, and the accidental head high in the Chiefs / Brumbies game yesterday. Perhaps if there was more transparency and consistency and a little less "if you don't like it you pick up a whistle" then there would be more sympathy to the difficulties of refereeing the modern game.
Edit: I don't entirely blame Berry because it was quite apparent that Aaron Smuth was co-refereeing the game and he should accept some responsibility :)
Do you think this inconsistent application of the laws was only as they applied to one team?
Have you reviewed the World Rugby protocol relating to high contact? Presuming you have, which part(s) of the protocol is difficult to reconcile against how the Holmes incident was dealt with?
As Berry didn't referee the Chiefs/Brumbies game there is no need for response to that part.