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You have to look at the positives
The Force won. A win is critical to a team of young-uns who have had a rough season, kept losing, got a few hidings, found a way to lose from certain victory on several occasions, coach walked out, fan hysteria. It's good to feel that winning feeling in your development years. The pain of losing close games and the negativity of press/supporter base burns long in the memory.
To turn the fortunes around, it has to start with a win. Tonight was a win.
I thought the performance from the pack was outstanding. The pack dominated field position and possession. The performance of the pack was "Crusader-like" how they managed to recycle, recycle, recycle. Some of the phases of pick and drive in the second stanza were outstanding. The go forward and fast recycling and pick and go was exceptional at times. The pack is a quality one and young and getting better. Put a backline behind that pack and we have a team that can win the tournament ( dead set)
Manu has impressed me with his ball carries when he comes off the bench. He is very powerful and tries to stay on his feet and keep going which contrasts to most Australian forwards who just flop and place the ball back. manu needs to learn how to scrummage at super level before he becomes a starting prop. He has technical weaknesses and we lost at least one game (tahs I think) because he got pinged at critical times.
Pocock was outstanding
Hodgson continues to fly under the radar but some of his pilfers and covering tackles are out of the top shelf. I'm sure we remember how good Pocock was because Hodgson does as much and in some games more than his illustrious leader. You remember the Force backrow dominating but it isn't a one man show.
If you like rugby because of all the forward contests for possession eg scrums, lineouts, rucks, counter rucks, mauls..........and a pilfer, pick and go or driving maul floats your boat...........then last night was beautiful to watch. The pack was tip top
We have found a halfback. Josh Holmes had some good periods. He was "the next big thing" from the Australian U'19 world cup winning team from a few years back. (had Faingaa twins et al)It looks like Holmes is finding his feet at this level. I thought he had a good game.
Mafi gets better and better at 15. He has real pace. He could be useful with some inside back who could put him into some space.
The dead wood is getting broomed.
We theoretically have a big bank account to keep Pocock, recruit a high quality coach and chase a 10 and 12. The Force needs a high quality 10 and must get one. No settling on any old coah or 10
It wasn't one of the great matches but it sure was a good feeling to win.