Thought you guys did a good professional job on us today in both attack and defence though score a bit flattering to you the try just before and after half time made our heads go down but we showed enthusiasm and not just reliant on johnstone-though he would have had a hattrick today- and fifita

Been away so had to avoid the result until yesterday. I thought it was a fantastic performance. What I found particularly pleasing was the way we absorbed the pressure in that opening quarter. That was something you see from all the best teams in any sport; a resilience and resolve when it's backs against the wall and it was good to see we have that in the locker. We'll certainly need it if we're to have any designs on silverware.

Lots of outstanding performances again but it was a whole team effort. Faz, Bateman, Field and Tommy were top drawer but others had excellent games too. Cust keeps improving week on week, Havard had another strong game playing long minutes and Mago, whatever you think of his minutes, showed exactly what he brings to this team. He was a completely different point of attack when he came on in a way that no other front rower in our team is.

Glimpses, too, of just how effective a Field/French combination could be. It's imperative we get that firing to its full effect as it's what sets us apart from the rest of the league.

One other point worth mentioning: we've had many discussions about moving players out of position. Yesterday showed what a versatile team we have. At one time our entire backline was 'out of position' to some extent yet it looked totally assured. That will prove invaluable as the year wears on.

Probably the best performance of the season so far.

Have to disagree slightly John, it's the main thing I've been pointing out from day one about Cust.
Hes took the line on really well, close to the ruck mainly at times which has created a lot of space for others.
He challenges defences like George Williams did early days (possibly before he started to go sideways too much imo) and I keeps defences honest around the middles (whilst he's still.a.threat because at least 2/3 times a game he "Nearly" gets through) and the others benefit from the space around.

It's a little like what Lockers did for us for many years.

I agree Jukesy. Playing into the line that way is often a thankless task but it's absolutely essential to break up defences. It's noticeable that we're doing it much more this year with Mago, KPP, Tommy, Bateman and, as you say, Cust all challenging the defence to make decisions. All too often last year we passed too far in front of the defensive line making it easy for them to simply slide.

John, I had a similar conversation regarding the early sets with French on the wing but it seems a simple solution to just switch with the centre on the early sets. In addition you get the bonus of having French further infield where his footwork could be used to better advantage. I imagine this is part of the 'two fullbacks" idea Kevin Brown has been alluding to recently.

When he first came I thought he did that well, with his direct running but for about a month he seemed to just be directing traffic around him.

Both Tommy and Cust noticeably in my opinion were more direct and took the line on as you say keeping them honest.

I hope he continues to do that as it stops the defence just sliding across and making it easy to run the outside players towards the touch line….aka the best defender in the pitch.