Quote: vastman "When I read the posts on here I despair I really do - especially the Brian Smith thread. I expected it but not some of the posters who joined in surprised me.
Anyway I left the game reasonably happy. I wanted them to at least play for 80 minutes and they did. Granted it wasn't great but do you all really think anybody even Jesus Christ could turn last year around in a close season that quickly - seriously.
So the negatives first.
Miller is gifted but he can't create either for himself or anyone else - he needs to let Finn do the thinking.
Lack of composure in attack caused mainly in my opinion by far to many players thinking they were running the game.
Kirmond has lost it which is sad but he shouldn't be Captain because IMHO he shouldn't be in the 17 for now.
Inability to back up and thus score.
OK's
We made a team that thumped us twice last season work hard and had it not been for two howlers we could have pinched it - we beat ourselves in many ways.
Our three tries were pretty good.
Defence was OK if not outstanding, couple of tries saved that would have been walk ins last season - stopped any chance of a thrashing.
Positives
Effort, in fact to much in some case - to many players trying to become legends on day one.
Fitness, vast improvement, we didn't seem to struggle all game. Truth is if you are fit the other issues are easier to fix.
Anthony Topou, pure class, we were better when he was on.
I think a lot of people on here need a reality check, we are favourites to finish bottom for a reason - we were crap last year and we couldn't afford to rectify it with a flurry of expensive signings.
Brian Smith has a huge task on his hands and those doubting him frankly annoy me - why not apply for the job yourselves, now that would be funny.
Give the team and the coach a chance and do what supporters do - support - or shall we call it a day right now?'"
Agree, good post.