Why has our defence got more holes than Swiss Cheese?
The majority of the points conceeded last night were from 5-10 yards out.
We seemed to be very flat footed and unable to get the tackle in when our line was under pressure.
i had a feeling that they were just trying to hard and not putting their practice in to action

I know the concept of the game is to score more points than you conceed but nail biters like that should be avoided with a rock solid defence

Whilst Gilder's observations are certainly well made and will have a bearing, overall I'd agree with FtV and Pmack.

For the last couple of years I've waxed (not very) lyrical about the mental challenge of defending a title. It must be incredibly difficult for a team to lift itself to go again after winning the previous 3 years. What we're seeing is probably 95% but the missing 5% is the difference between defensive excellence and falibility.

It was similar for the middle chunk of last year when the penalty count was seen as the achillies heel of the side, yet the penalties coneded were largely borne of frustration (interference and backchat typically) with the team's own performance not being where they'd expect it to be.

I'm hoping that Mclennan is treating this year the same as last and training and motivating the teams only to a point and so saving the best 'till last.

Am I right in thinking nobody had previously won 2 titles in a row during the GF era, let alone 3? If so then it clearly is very difficult and I am not sure we get enough credit from what we've done (from our own fan base as well as others).

No that would be incorrect as St Helens have also won consecutive Grand Finals (after finishing the Regular Rounds in 2nd incidentally.)

3 titles in a row is a fabulous achievement in a salary capped sport and I don't think it will be repeated for a very, very, very long time.

Three years at the very least, I'd say.

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