5
I know that when you play professional sport its all about the W, however, while a frustrating game for fans and players alike last night I still believe progress is being made.
Looking at the teams on paper before the game the Rebels are much stronger with a good dose of current Wallabies, even the bookies had them as favorites and the scoreline would suggests would have been a good result based on these factors.
The positives:
Our defense was outstanding, and defense is based on heart and the players showed there heart was in it.
Having a crowd at a sporting event makes a world of difference and the Sea of Blue were that again.
We are playing rugby, we are playing super rugby, despite the odds against this four years ago ( Thank you Dr and Mrs Forrest and Minderoo)
WA kids again have a real pathway forward in rugby. Kane Koteka again immense and a deserved MOM.
The negatives:
The line out was a shambles
The kicking for touch was terrible
The loss of Pulu who was showing signs of breaking the line, and re-jigging the backline without a proper wing did not help.
McIntyre had a shocker but one bad day at the office does not make a bad player, he will learn and get better.
The weakness of depth at lock showed, however Timani is just out of quarantine and will be more imposing at time goes on.
I have faith in the team, and I think a couple of games on the road will help without the pressure of winning at home as that seemed to be an added pressure on the guys.
Lastly most teams in their second game after a bye have a poorer match than usual, as in the bye week you build to the first game up and the second you have to recover and get going again fairly quickly.
Lets all keep the faith and support our boys they need us now.