Butcher wrote:
Really enjoyed the game as always. Don’t think it’ll have much bearing on our season but a few reflections:
Rourke will be a very able deputy. Walmsley defended brilliantly and came up with some great reads, but still looks like he’ll get bent in half bringing the ball out in this league. Hall was workmanlike and I’d still prefer Pratt on that side, just got more about him. Think Scott could prove a brilliant pick up, he looked dangerous every time he got the ball. Hard to read too much into our halves - they’re clearly both able players and it’s just a case of game time. Thought our forwards looked the part - Rodwell did get stood up a few times which was worrying but no doubting his effectiveness with the ball, even against Oledzski, Ackers et al him and CHU were getting rapid play the balls. Vagana too. Tough day for Harvey Smith - v good in attack and made his tackles but ultimately he’s too small to stand up in the middle yet. I know it’s not at all the done thing, but I’d be tempted to make him defend one in so he’s ultra effective on the ball. As always, it was a bit up in the air when the young lads came on, but Ellis Lingard is going to be one hell of a player if he keeps his head down. He constantly found his front and defended like a first teamer.
Yes generally agree.
I just watched the full game back.
The stand out players for us were Scott and CHU for me. They looked every bit ready to go so things can only get better.
Rodwell was average by his standards but that often happens with forwards in preseason.
Thought the second rows were hit and miss. Some good some very average but Seth is just off the plane and Vagana is learning his trade.
We lacked go forward when both teams were strong, which is forwards and back 3.
Walmsley was OK and showed a lot of speed to run Sivo down. Although neither winger got much chance, we didn't see Hall or Sivo break a tackle either.
I like Rourke and unless the others find form I can see him claiming the left centre spot.
Half backs were the interest for me.
Neither really shone but we didn't have much field position for them.
Honestly, if we are still down on hookers I'd be having Russell at 9 and Lino at 7. He looked like he wanted it today did Lino and I'm all for that. But there's a long way to go there.
If you put Max, Tom, McMeekan, Hood, Doyle and Atoni, and probably Stourtan and Pitts, the field position will be massively different so we'll see how we progress with more troops.
Quite impressed with the youngsters when they came on. More so than Leeds which is saying something.
