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Flawed but a bonus point win |
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Written by The Chief Advising Fan in the Stand
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Thursday, 11 September 2008 |
The Fan was reassured by the comments of coach Schuler after the Otago game where he said the Bay were “trying to do two different things”. There did seem to be something amiss with the Steamers, too many times the forwards were in the wrong place. There would be masses of them on the open side and the Bay would take it down the blind and at times we were hopelessly short of numbers at the rucks. It was pleasing to see the Bay eight keep it in close for phase after phase to set up Delany’s winning try.
What a great feeling to win with a bonus point against a Super 14 franchise side and still have areas for improvement. These really are good times in the Bay and an amazing turnaround from a few months ago when there must have been a real chance that we would be in Northland’s position.
There was a time last season when the main stand of Baypark was a place for lonely reflection on the unfairness of life, particularly when the wind was cold and the Steamers had just lost their 8th line out of the first half. On Friday the car park was packed and a huge crowd of over 13,000 enjoyed an eventful game – most people even made it into the ground on time.
The school promotions have been a roaring success for the Bay union. The Fan has bumped into friends who have never been to a rugby game before. Maybe this is why many in the crowd sit in stony silence and cast strange looks at those of us who give full vent to our feelings. I know the ref appreciates the advice we give out for free.
The good form of the Bay this year has been based around a hard-working and consistent tight 5 and the skill and control from numbers seven through 10. With Jamie Nutbrown departed, that quartet is broken up and it is crucial that Latimer, Bourke and Delany combine well with the new number 9. All were outstanding against Otago and Nutbrown’s farewell try was a thing of beauty.
Culum Retallick has been a big improver this year. His lineout work has been consistently good and close to the ruck he has been making yards all year. He deserved his try, showing great power to get over the line. The Fan is pencilling him into the Chiefs squad already.
A large turnout for Rotorua is vital to put the pressure onto a moderate Auckland side and take us one step further to a top four finish and a home quarter-final. Since our glorious Shield triumph in 2004 (did I mention that game before?) Auckland has dished out hidings to us every time and it is time for some revenge. Congratulations to Colin Bourke on his 50th game, here’s hoping you stick around to reach the ton.
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