Ok, that was an enjoyable game, even if my team didn't win. Well done Reds.
The game went in the direction I suspected, with the Tah's much like the Rebels bringing the attitude but not having the finishing. They have a few areas they really need to be working on, such as their maul defence and whilst I thought their defensive structure was much better, they dont appear to be able to sustain the rush with too many offsides.
As for some of the controversies;
- I thought the Tah try was fine as it was back out of the hands (I think so people need to really clue up on this area, not the first or last time we'll see similar.
- I thought the Jorgensen/Petaia try was a 50/50. Even in slow motion it looked like it was simultaneous to me and probably didn't deserve a try/sanction, but I can see the benefit being given to the attacking player/team. Though Jordy did knocked one on earlier so I'm not even sure it's probable he scores there
- Scrums were interesting. I'm not sure he (Doleman) got them all right. The one at around 68-9mins with the Tah's in the A-zone I'm pretty sure the Reds LHP was well and truly boring in. The scrum moves sideways more than forward. I'm really not sure how he gave that one to the Reds. Be interested what others think, but I think the Reds got away with one there.
Overall I was happy to see some improvement and heart from the Tahs. I'm still not convinced that the attack is where it should be for a squad that has had a reasonable amount of cohesion now. All the injuries obviously haven't helped and as others mentioned the depth really isn't there. I thought for the short notice he likely got Walton stood up in this game for the Tahs. Though he wasn't always on song I also didn't mind Vailanu and his little rush, low chop role he seemed to have in defence.
Lots of work ons for both teams, but the Reds a lot further along.