Saints game thread

[SilverShire]

A scrappy win but a win none the less!

But a LOT to work on.

Oh for sure I completely agree. Must say I was impressed with Shields as captain, he looked very comfortable in the role

[Steve from Cov]

Excellent win.

Wasps showed a lot of spirit in getting back into the game.

Well done boys.

[Chunky24]

A scrappy win but a win none the less!

But a LOT to work on.

Agree but a positive feeling so important as shown by the players response at the end of the game.
Back row much better balance today, 6, 7 and 8 (plus replacements) who can all play but also do work at attacking and defensive rucks.

[Rossm]

Wasps penalty try. Head high tackle from Naivaru (sp) and second yellow, so is red carded.

32-36

Forgot to click on 'post'. Too excited.

[HDAWG]

Felt our strategy with kicking was very poor at times. As previously mentioned kicking the ball to them while we are a man down was silly. We didn't look after possession very well.

Jack Willis came on and was as outrageous as ever. Spoiled for choice with Shields and Willis.

Umaga had good and bad moments.

Our attack looked good at times, but our defence and strategies would lead to Saints getting possession. Also it took us ages to get used to the breakdown.

And the ref was pretty bad.

On the whole I'm glad we won but lots to improve on.

[Rossm]

A bit scrappy by both sides. Not helped by an obviously inexperienced referee. But............a win is a win and I'll take it.

Marcus and Brad went of injured, hope just knocks.

[SilverShire]

Was Brad actually injured or was it just a tactical choice with a bloody nose attached?

Thought the starting scrum half (don't know his name) played well given his inexperience

[Belfast Wasp]

Youngsters played OK but still a lot to learn. Many mistakes due to panic thinking but hopefully will take away lots to learn from.  Nemo well deserved MOM.  Very happy with overall attitude seems to be good feelings in camp and Brad very good leader.   If we can play with lots to improve on and still get win then that has got to be a positive move forward.
  

[Rossm]

Was Brad actually injured or was it just a tactical choice with a bloody nose attached?

He had some attention earlier and was limping a bit.

[backdoc]

I think the 9 deserves a lot of credit today. He has stepped into a field of play with a number of Internationals on both sides and played well.

[Raggs]

Thought Umaga was excellent. Good shift from the pack but Vailanu needs to stick to the systems.  Scrum half good but box kicking needs work.

[Rossm]

Cracking game for a neutral. BT picked a good one today.

[RBB]

I think the 9 deserves a lot of credit today. He has stepped into a field of play with a number of Internationals on both sides and played well.

I agree, looks like a very level headed and composed young player. I also thought Vailanu looked a real handful, and will only improve with game time. Jack Willis is immense, we have missed him. Happy with that, onward.

[Heathen]

I think the 9 deserves a lot of credit today. He has stepped into a field of play with a number of Internationals on both sides and played well.

I agree, looks like a very level headed and composed young player. I also thought Vailanu looked a real handful, and will only improve with game time. Jack Willis is immense, we have missed him. Happy with that, onward.

+1

[Hymenoptera]

Defence: Slow line speed.
Defence: Mainly one man on to tackle, so the offload is always on.
Attack and Defence: Lineout very poor.
Attack: Rolling maul not good.
Defence: No support for the tackled player.
Defence: Box kick is appallingly long.
Attack: No kick chase.

Other than that, everything is tickety boo.

Umaga and Watson the best of what we have, I think.

I think people are being a bit over critical here. Given that was a strong Saints team that was cynical and allowed to be from the first minute from a ref that was out of his depth, i think it was a decent performance. Remove the intercept and the Biyi try that always was, we were well ahead away at the gardens.

Special mention to the 9 and 10.

I for one am pleased, much improved.