Thoughts while fresh in my mind for anyone who's interested.
Tahs won it, or if you prefer saders lost it because Tahs backs adapted to the rush defence and Crusaders, surprisingly didn't. Waratahs (backs in particular) defensive line speed put enormous pressure on Crusaders backs right from Slade (and later DC) out. Very early Saders did same to Tahs backs although never quite to the same extent. The big difference was each sides reaction. Crusaders continued to play flat and pass after pass was under pressure resulting in total lack of backline flow, errors and ultimately Rob Horne's try (and what a pick up) from a spill. Tahs on the other hand gave themselves more depth and while penetration was difficult they alleviated the pass pressure. I was amazed that DC didn't call for more depth nor put in a chip or grubber to put the defence in two minds. Ultimately it was Foley who chipped and scored. So Tahs definitely won the battle of the backs. I'll be interested to see if Cheika adopts the same blitz style defence against sides with a big 12 (Nonu, Kerevi etc) where a crash midfield line break can be "try time".
As for the forwards I thought big Will had a blinder. He reminds me of Hindmarsh in that he doesn't look fit but keeps on going. His work rate (not to mention his skills) for such a big unit amaze me. Mind you Richie (who had a quiet game) must be scratching his head as to how he ended up in the bin and Skelton stayed on the paddock all game. In addition Will saved the Tahs hooker from a red (probably should have been anyway) by saving ?? from being dumped on his noggin.
Just a few thoughts. Interested in others opinion of the game.
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To remove first post, remove entire topic.
Thoughts while fresh in my mind for anyone who's interested.
Tahs won it, or if you prefer saders lost it because Tahs backs adapted to the rush defence and Crusaders, surprisingly didn't. Waratahs (backs in particular) defensive line speed put enormous pressure on Crusaders backs right from Slade (and later DC) out. Very early Saders did same to Tahs backs although never quite to the same extent. The big difference was each sides reaction. Crusaders continued to play flat and pass after pass was under pressure resulting in total lack of backline flow, errors and ultimately Rob Horne's try (and what a pick up) from a spill. Tahs on the other hand gave themselves more depth and while penetration was difficult they alleviated the pass pressure. I was amazed that DC didn't call for more depth nor put in a chip or grubber to put the defence in two minds. Ultimately it was Foley who chipped and scored. So Tahs definitely won the battle of the backs. I'll be interested to see if Cheika adopts the same blitz style defence against sides with a big 12 (Nonu, Kerevi etc) where a crash midfield line break can be "try time".
As for the forwards I thought big Will had a blinder. He reminds me of Hindmarsh in that he doesn't look fit but keeps on going. His work rate (not to mention his skills) for such a big unit amaze me. Mind you Richie (who had a quiet game) must be scratching his head as to how he ended up in the bin and Skelton stayed on the paddock all game. In addition Will saved the Tahs hooker from a red (probably should have been anyway) by saving ?? from being dumped on his noggin.
Just a few thoughts. Interested in others opinion of the game.
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