For me it looked like Daly was more interested in finishing the game without injury than competing for the ball. His eyes were on the approaching Leinster player rather than the ball. He made no attempt to jump and catch the ball. His ball in hand decisions were often poor. His field kicks were abysmal. He just didn't seem to be there. Right now, a fit Neal would get the winger slot over Daly any day of the week. Eddie was there to see. On this form, Daly will not get another England shirt to pull on.
I actually would not have an issue if we released Daly from his contract right now, without compensation from him, or his 'new' club. At least we would save on his wages.
Going forwards, we must expect that either Umaga gets offered a main squad contract at 15, or we announce a quality 15 coming in. And we need at least two wingers from somewhere.
Discussing this after the game (and at half time with other ST holders around us), we are really missing Jimmy. It is clear to me that he is the play maker. Without him we are lost. MLB, as good as he is, is not (yet) a playmaker. Should Sopoaga be? No sign of that yet. But he did (to me) have a much better game today. His kicking worries me though. The restarts too long (or has he been told to kick them there by the coaches?), the field kicks not good enough.
Maybe Umaga can be our playmaker, but we need one desperately.
Hampson had a good game for the 10 minutes he was on. Lightning fast and accurate. Most unlike him.
Sadly, Miller had a poor game. No shine or flair.
Lovobalavu was back to his best (but still lost the ball in contact).
Simpson was also warming up before the game, so expect him back very soon.
Our scrum gave Leinster a run for its money, except at the breakdown and the maul. Proud of them all.
In the first 30 minutes, we were totally dominated, in terms of possession and territory. We coughed the ball up, gave penalties away.
In the end, the score flattered us. But, we did far better than I expected against what would be close to the Irish national side. I wouldn't mind betting that England will fare no better.
I wonder how bad the concussion was that Joe suffered.
My MOTM was Cruse. How many 80 minutes stints can that man be asked to pull?