Highlander wrote:
One of the main problems last time was our pack started slow, got slower and were completely dominated in attack & defence.
Wakefield controlled our ruck speed & denied our playmakers time & space. Conversely, they had quick ball & Tim Smith probably couldn't believe the amount of time he had on the ball with no pressure from us.
If it's true that their prop Anderson is also out, I would think that is as big a loss as Smith.
Our pack cannot be as bad again. They will want to show that they aren't that bad.
And as long as our pack gets parity with Wakefield, and our playmakers get as much time as Godinet/Miller for Wakey, then I think we have a great chance.
But if those powderpuff imposters turn up again instead of our usual forwards, then Brian Smith could probably play at halfback for Wakey & do well....
Unless Smith is playing games, Anderson is out. He damaged medial ligaments against Sheffield in first minute and didn't come back on.
He is a loss, as he is a great prop for us, in both attack and defence, but we are well stocked in that area.
Scruton and Mullally are great for us. Simon will probably start at 13 as it was very effective against you last time with 5 props. That would mean 2 from Walker, Yates and Kavanagh. They are not Anderson but can hold their own.
Kirmond coming back may influence the prop rotation if Smith decides he doesn't need Simon in the back row any more.
I think our pack is the key to a win for us. Miller and Godinet are great when they have time, and also in broken play but they are not Tim Smith when faced with an organised defence.
