There are 2 non negotiables in rugby;
1: From first whistle to last you play at 100%
2: You put your body on the line with the greatest physicality you can muster.
First off well done Tigers, Borthwick is creating the style of old that serves them so well. Top 6 is a strong possibility for them. For us, well, it pains me to say this but I was embarrassed today. When i saw the teams i held little hope for us winning, too many key players missing. But equally this was a chance for those playing to establish themselves...they did not.
We were second in EVERY facet of the game, but worst of all we were scared...Rowlands and Brookes stepping out of tackles, Umaga avoiding catching the high ball. Then where is that 100% commitment? No where to be seen, no control in the set piece, no backs to the wall attempts when being beaten in the maul...no rush to get back to support the ball carrier running it from the back and minimal during our limited phase play.
At one stage we had 19% possession.....19%!!! But if you are scared and not putting in your all then it is probably more than we deserve.
Today we saw a side not capable, not capable of posing a threat, a challenge. Not capable of going further in Europe. Not capable of being considered top 6 material. If this team want respect and our support then this must be the line in the sand.