i agree in that hock lacked discipline, but i would also say lauaki was aggressive while as others have mentioned, was poor in defence. sam while solid was disappointing but as others have said, it was probably due to the lack of advantageous position. all in all they havent given other teams anything to worry about just yet.

The deafening roar of the DW morgue crowd put them off.

It's been a strange build up generally for this season, most teams had fewer than normal friendlies and Wire did something different. On this basis I expect some shock results in the first few weeks, unfortunately we caught one this time.

Haven't read the whole thread - apologies.

However it was all 1 man rugby until it was too late, we all looked knackered after 20 mins, Pat so slow? Tomkins left a lot to be desired with the 1 on 1s at the back. We let them ly on, kicking game was shocking - we kept on kicking far too early in the set, its fine every now and then but too often it just throws your possession away!!

Pre season has been a joke, the 1st team have hardly played together and that was weeks ago?

Rant over.

We need another scrum half, Tommy is not effective at 7. Him and Micky mac playing 40 mins at hooker would be much better. I'm worried about our backs lack of pace, when sam brings it to the 3/4s the move loses its momentum when Carmont and Richards can't keep up with him. Try Sam at 7 and Richards at 1?

Shit..prep and display..sort it

We looked exhausted after 20 mins or so. Lack of fitness and lack of pre-season games contributed to that along with only doing 'light training' when they went to Florida. We were standing far too flat and had no momentum going forward. Kicking was awful too, constantly straight at the winger or fullback. I only remember one kick from McIlorum and two from Sam that went over the top and turned them round. I didn't understand having Tuson, Flower and Farrell on the bench. Farrell and one of Tuson or Flower would have been a better option. Most players appear to have bulked up but seems to be at the expense of cardio fitness.

The wane effect

Wonder how long it will take our fans to realise Goulding is NEVER a centre, bombed 2 overlaps in the second half, got some class passes from Finch and made no use of them what so ever, he must be a dream to defend against. All in all it was a poor performance from 1 to 17, nobody stood out, but hey ho, we'll probably finish 5th and win it so no point panicking.

Yes we were poor, but booing them off and giving the coaching staff a mouthful after round one. Really?

I took the boos to be aimed at the ref rather than the players. I may be wrong though.

Possibly, but Rads was given a right mouthful. Could physically see him cringing.

It's a fickle buisness followed by fickle fans. That performance was not deserving of a booing at all. Can't fault the lads effort really. TWe just looked under cooked to me.

maybe move Tomkins to 7 until you get adequate cover there.

If it puts Leuluai back at 9, Iestyn Harris can play Scrum Half for all I care.