Typical performance for this year. Poor start, some weak defending and indiscipline costing us dear before we get back into it, only to make more stupid mistakes. Then come out in the second half and look fairly comfortable.
It was great to see French back at fullback and doing what he does best. He looks really dangerous and Hastings and Smith were impressive too. Just think what those players could do behind a strong pack of forwards. Not that you can fault our back row. Farrell was outstanding as usual and Bateman showed a few good touches. Once again though the middles were ineffective. Smithies, Partington and Singleton were never likely to take much out of Leigh. Havard was our best prop again (I still can't believe the criticism he gets on here). Clark made one outstanding carry then not much after that which surely makes him our 2nd best prop right now. Shorrocks had his first poor game of the season too with some wayward passing but you expect some inconsistency with young players.
Manfredi had a strong game and is getting back to his best. He might not be unbeatable over 80 metres like some wingers but he's quick over 20-30 and that's going to make a bigger difference in the modern game.
Bibby doesn't look like he's ever considered passing a ball but with Farrell and Hastings on that left edge he may never have to. Hardaker has gone from being our best player to never getting the ball. That probably needs to be rectified soon as it seems a bit of a waste. He's not as good at centre as he is at fullback but he is better when he's more involved.
