Really impressive start last night. Plenty to work on, but the foundations are there for something potentially very special.
I felt that even before Shaul's try we had lost our shape. It was almost like things were too easy and we went a little every man for himself rather than sticking to the things that we have been doing in training. This happens often in games against lower league opposition. You get to the point where you feel you can score at will and go away from the things that got you to that position. When Salford finally started taking the game to us we struggled to respond because we were mentally already in the showers. That we had a makeshift partnership on the right wing and were also without Manu also really affected us I think, but it doesn't really matter.
I thought for a first hit out Talanoa was outstanding, and he will score bag fulls of trys outside Tuimavave. Bowden was the pick of the props with Green not too far behind. This was the most pleasing thing for me. Thompson did enough to keep his spot. Pritchard is going to be a firm fan favourite, but for me the pick of the debuts was Manu. Doesnt give an inch with out without the ball. When him and Ellis are on the field together there will be some sore bodies in the opposition.
It says something about the quality of our pack now when the the quietest two were Watts and Mini. Just shows what competition for places and a new contract can do when you look at the current form of Bowden and Green. Big test next week against a much better team.
Joined: May 12 2011 Posts: 3338 Location: West Hull
Bowden and Green look like different players, our pack was brilliant. And losing our shape is to be expected in that sort of game, and at the beginning of the season. We've looked much, much slower on first games of seasons before.
All men are created equal, some work harder in preseason. -Emmitt Smith
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