We won because we were a much fitter side than the French. There were a few very notable performances though. I had Hecky as MOM. He did long stints on the pitch and was a real handful for Toulouse. I wish we had a couple more props like that. The amount of times Hecky was turning in the tackle ready to offload, and found no-one at all to pass to, is becoming a joke. We just don’t seem to have players who can be bothered supporting the play. They just stand around like a bunch of dopey nice people watching the one-man runs.
Other players also deserve a mention. Dave Allen was outstanding, when on the field. Both Netherton and K. Haggerty had good games. The young Haggy is a much improved player this season. I thought Danny Craven did well again and saved us conceding what looked like a certain try, with a good tackle. I’m sure he kicked a 40/20 too, but Ronnie clearly thought otherwise. I hope he isn’t badly injured, as he limped off and didn’t return.
The defence was, indeed, shocking – and not just in the centres. However, one Centre in particular is absolutely hopeless. I am really disappointed in him. I won’t name him, but he’s 25 now, and should have mastered basic tackle technique. At one point he came out of the line and dove at the player with the ball, who didn’t move, and he still missed. He ended up on the floor while the Toulouse player nonchalantly strolled past him. It was laughable. He needs to spend a few weeks in the reserves getting some remedial coaching on tackle technique. Because, if he doesn’t sort himself out, he’ll be a loving liability. I had hoped his first game in the friendlies was a one off, but it is now clear that he has a major flaw in his game.
We really need to loving buck up, if we want to avoid wallowing around in mid-table again.
