fun time frankie wrote:The only time I've been confident of winning a derby we got beat 36-6 so until we're winning by 20 with 5 minutes to go I will never be confident of winning
There's usually not much cause for confidence on either side, as there's usually not all that much between the teams.
To me, form looks like a weak indicator, especially for a one-off encounter, but an indicator nonetheless. so I'd pedantically take issue with l and i's claim that history has shown it to be irrelevant.
Where I'd completely agree with him is that the team that plays smart and minimises errors will have much the better chance. If your team has been playing dozy error-strewn rugby in recent weeks, then there's a more legitimate fear that you'll carry on in the same vein. If they've been disciplined and tactically astute, then there's greater cause for... Not confidence perhaps, but certainly optimism.
Hull certainly seem to be much improved from the rather toothless outfit Rovers beat earlier in the season.
I think we're doing okay. I worry about our middle and if you're struggling to control the ruck, you'll tend to give away penalties. But we are,
generally a bit smarter and mentally tougher than in recent years imo, so we've a chance, if we can stop them getting a roll on.