ABs classic wobbly first test hopefully, and next week with more training sessions to bed in systems will be better. Perofeta was really good, but Beauden’s kicking game was a marked difference maker in terms of ensuring the ABs spent more time with ball in hand in the right part of the pitch.
DMac’s passing was exceptional but other than that he did struggle against the rush D (every body does, even Mounga) and some of the missed kicks & the time out would have been frustrating. Definitely deserves another shot at 10 and I think keeping BB on the bench to sub in as a change of plan as needed is a good balance.
For mine, England’s best player was their halfback Mitchell - he was possibly the best player on the pitch. Really great service from the base, great pass, managed to keep the defence guessing, a scary good performance. In a way a similar player to Roigaard so its a shame he is out injured to have a battle against a similar player. Perenara was great, but is definitely more of an old school style where Mitchell looks to me to be perhaps a change in style that will become more common in coming years.
I suspect you’re right about first test nerves. But England will also learn. All Blacks tried up the jumper vs England first half, of course they were going to struggle vs England. All Blacks have another game though, where England will come unstuck is they don’t
ABs classic wobbly first test hopefully, and next week with more training sessions to bed in systems will be better. Perofeta was really good, but Beauden’s kicking game was a marked difference maker in terms of ensuring the ABs spent more time with ball in hand in the right part of the pitch.
DMac’s passing was exceptional but other than that he did struggle against the rush D (every body does, even Mounga) and some of the missed kicks & the time out would have been frustrating. Definitely deserves another shot at 10 and I think keeping BB on the bench to sub in as a change of plan as needed is a good balance.
For mine, England’s best player was their halfback Mitchell - he was possibly the best player on the pitch. Really great service from the base, great pass, managed to keep the defence guessing, a scary good performance. In a way a similar player to Roigaard so its a shame he is out injured to have a battle against a similar player. Perenara was great, but is definitely more of an old school style where Mitchell looks to me to be perhaps a change in style that will become more common in coming years.
I suspect you’re right about first test nerves. But England will also learn. All Blacks tried up the jumper vs England first half, of course they were going to struggle vs England. All Blacks have another game though, where England will come unstuck is they don’t
Has an ABs supporter that’s a narrative I can get behind, but England were good - definitely not as one dimensional as they have been in the past.
Good tussle - could have gone either way. Did feel like the good ol first test wobbles for the abs.