I just watched the game a second time; this time without 1/2 dozen Silver Bullets in the system and the emotion of watching it live. After reading others comment here I focussed on a few individuals - Api, Sullivan, Latu and Bateman.
Api's game was way off; particularly in the first half. On top of his uncharacteristic poor passing he was not engaging the A/B defender like he usually does - which provides space for Sezar and others. He ran backwards two to three times - I expect that he was not able to push off is leg so was trying to be crafty. This wouldn't have been practiced and I think was responsible for the poor timing of his runners.
Sullivan - despite what I have read from many about him being a dud. He was very active and didn't shirk his role in defence; although he shot out of the line a couple of times which could have been dangerous - but he got away with them so it went OK for him this week. I would like to see much less of that. He is definitly not a good replacement for Api at Hooker - he doesn't do anything around the ruck. In attack he made a couple of half breaks and took the ball to the line on several occasions. I think in attack perhaps he was trying too hard and rushed it. He is definitley not our first string 5/8th; however, if he settles down I think he is a servicable backup for injuries. Perhaps with time in the system he will get better - way too early to write him off.
Latu did OK, very calm in attack and defence. He certainly isn't the live wire of Galvin and I suspect still a bit underdone. He is better than Sullivan in Defence and looked calm, deliberate and appeared to have time in attack - which is almost the opposite of how Sullivan plays. Too early to say for sure but he looks to be a bit behind Galvin in the ready for FG stakes.
Bateman - well he has some stupid moments, but he is always there or thereabouts in defence. I can see why the boys love playing with him - if he can cut the stupid penalties he goes well. In attack, he is what he is. What we haven't worked out, which Canberra did, was how to work with him. When he takes off, in whatever direction, he needs runners to provide options for him and decisions for the defence. There are opportunites for Bula/Pole/Juzzy and Faataape. Not saying he is great; lose the stupid penalties in our quarter and I think he is workable.
Key things I noticed that I didn't pick up much commentry on here:
The Dolphins first try was set up by Marshall King the play prior. He got out of the ruck quickly and engaged the A and B defender before a quick play the ball. From the next play Pole turned in and supported Sullivan; this commited to the 2 in defender (Faataape) creating a 2 on 1 for Charlie on the wing. there was no cover and they romped over. This is fixable - and for the most part we got it right.
Ref got the call right on the Olam no try - no doubt in my mind; however, I have seen worse let go.
Sullivan was not responsible for the Captain's Cahllange and Api was nowhere in sight - so who called it? Klemmer? Really bad call and something we need to fix.
Dolphins played our game against us - kick well and pin them with the chase. - same as we did against Parra.
I suspect fatigue was an issue for us; not an excuse we just weren't up to the same standard as the two weeks prior.
Faataape was defintely hit without the ball before half time. Should have been a penalty and we were on a roll. May have come to nothing but one of a few momentum changing calls.
Fianu concussion - He was hit slightly high by Donoghue but I doubt that was the cause. He was then turned over and his head slams into the ground followed by Nikorima's elbow - intentional or not I think that was the cause. Maybe the wrong guy is on report.
The Twal/Api call. I think the ref got the first bit right - no penalty as Twal ran through the ruck - problem is the ball was dislodged by the Phins and travelled towards our own goal line and was then picked up - should have been play on. Definite turning point and Api's dissent was justified.
In summary - it was a loss after a short turnaround. We hung in there despite the adversity and are definitely a team on the up. The players are committed to each other and making a difference. In most cases they are putting in the effort plays and putting their mates first, a few tired plays by key forwards cost is in defence; but considering the speed and strike power in the Dolphins lineup we weren't disgraced - a couple fo different ball bounces and we were in with a real chance.
Bring on St George and let;s see how the next man up goes this week!
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