Quote: McClennan "How much of our attacking play is created by making yards up the middle of the field? We can't give our team space if we're not able to make yardage up the middle and if you took two starting props out of any first 17 in the competition their effectiveness going forward would be dramatically reduced. Suggesting that the reason why we lost is because we adopt a forwards first mentality seriously ignores that the most critical aspect of winning a rugby game (either code) is winning it in the forwards. It's basic rugby knowledge. If you don't get on the front foot your half backs play on their heels and you do nothing in the game.
Let's not forget that we've managed to beat sides without that additional power upfront but Hudds' defence was way too strong for us yesterday and two additional props might well have made a significant difference.
It's incredible that we're still top despite these two injuries.'"
Spot on.
Put Cayless and Maurie in that team and it's a different ballgame. Our forwards were out on their feet.
Feel sorry for Cloughy for that poor missed tackle, he's been heroic up front for us recently.