There’s been a horrible feeling of dread about the last couple of weeks of rugby. After the highs of 2003 and the screaming vertigo of 2004 we seem to have slipped back into some old habits. 9th place with only three games to go doesn’t look too good but with a couple of games that slipped away vs. Auckland and Wellington we only have ourselves to blame. So, to these random, rambling thoughts:
Whoever at the Union was responsible for the lack of pre-season games needs a good rucking. Why they thought one game against a poor Japanese side would suffice is beyond belief. However it’s alarming to read quotes such as this from Vern: “I think we took it for granted that players would come straight back from Super 12 but actually when we got them back they were given an imposed rest. It was something we hadn't anticipated - I expected professionals ready to go and it's taken a while to get the machine cranking.”. Looks like we dropped the ball off the field. Has Vern’s time with the Crusaders been to his detriment? Since his return we’ve seen crucial substitutions at key times take the steam out of the side against the Lions and Auckland. While the Crusaders have depth off the bench to make wholesale changes in the 50th minute, sadly the Steamers do not. Speaking of the bench, bring back Ngarimu! Pareanga seriously depowers the scrum and seems to be a wing lurker. Though the huge puzzler was the demotion of Taufao Filisie and his replacement by James Afoa. Afoa will be a very good player but isn’t quite yet, and why such the class of Filise should be left in the Development side for 2-3 weeks mid-season is a strange one. What’s happened to another key part of the 2004 team? Apoua Stewart seems to be on the outer despite his fine play in 2004 and call-up for Manu-Samoa earlier this year, even though his replacements in Bolavucu and Johnston have yet to cover themselves in glory. Has Ormond reigned himself in too much? During 2004 he got stuck in first and worried about the ref second. At times this year it’s appeared to be the other way around. Time to forget the ref and just get back to inflicting pain with the big hits. Bring back Jacko!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s a shame we lost Bunting in the preseason, the backline has to look of one inexperienced player too many, and Murray Williams has yet to look like the player he was vs. the Lions. Rena Schuster looks a good prospect for the future. Did I mention bring back Jacko? The commitment that was so strong in 2004 doesn’t quite look to be there. Players don’t seem to be busting a gut to get back in defence if they make a mistake as they used to. It took its toll vs. Auckland and Wellington where we scored more than enough points to win each game, but our defence was leavked like a sieve. Anyway, that’s enough random drivel from me for one night. Bring on a win vs. Southland tomorrow and then a raid into the heart of DSW territory next week. |
