First up, Bristol were superb.
Their back row had the kind of game our back row have won us games in the past.
They were simply on a different planet to our boys.
Consequently, the our lads couldn’t get a foothold and started giving away needless penalties.
Pure frustration at being completely outplayed.
It is however a massive work-on. The players giving away penalties have to see the game in the bigger picture, not the immediate short term, in the moment situation. As a team, we’re capable of coming back hard, but only if we keep our composure.
We didn’t tonight.
As for people pointing the finger at Jacob, I’m not quite sure what echo chamber you’ve created for yourselves.
Yes, he’s not a true 15, but boy, he does try and carve out opportunities for the team with really clever thinking, quick feet and a great reading of the game.
Probably much more appropriate to look at the way Dan’s game has dipped recently.
He’s not a bad player all of a sudden.
None of them are.
And we know nothing about their private lives. Who knows if there are loved ones ill, children playing up, insomnia, financial problems etc etc. They’re all human beings….and they all have human being problems.
But, yes, some of our key players are lacking some zip and bite.
And that ultimately comes down to the job of the coaches who manage and select them.
A poor performance.
A lot of questions that need asking and problems resolving.
But do remember that these guys are normal human beings, doing their best with the guidance and fitness they currently have.
They’ll be hurting both physically and emotionally.
And, like in any sport, the effort goes into next week to find out reasons why the team didn’t perform as a cohesive unit…as Bristol did tonight.
Just remember we’re the fans sitting in comfortable chairs.
They’re the guys spitting blood and going through hell, trying to work out how to be the best.