Under 20's Pacific Test

[Splinter]

WTF two big tough front rowers kissing, wonder what Noel Kelly made of that

 

[Ari Gold]

That was actually a pretty good game in the end. Way better than what the ANZAC test will be I'm sure.

Pretty disappointing game from Taylor all things told. Ironically his defence was far more impressive than his attack. He only missed one tackle from memory, which means he had more 80m chase downs than misses.

I though that Hutcheson bloke was appallingly bad. His kicking game was horrible and Hastings looks like he likes to get in the way.

 

[Socnorb]

What about some scores guys

 

[Ari Gold]

We won 22-20.

 

[Big Pete]

Australia 22
New Zealand 20

 

[Splinter]

That was actually a pretty good game in the end. Way better than what the ANZAC test will be I'm sure.

Pretty disappointing game from Taylor all things told. Ironically his defence was far more impressive than his attack. He only missed one tackle from memory, which means he had more 80m chase downs than misses.

I though that Hutcheson bloke was appallingly bad. His kicking game was horrible and Hastings looks like he likes to get in the way.

I thought Hastings was cutting Taylor out of the play but looked for Hutcheson when on his side of the field. Arrow was one of the best on ground

 

[Danoz Direct]

I thought Hastings was cutting Taylor out of the play but looked for Hutcheson when on his side of the field. Arrow was one of the best on ground

What about Ofahengue?

 

[Lockysillegitimatechild]

Agree totally with what splinter and ari gold have said here. Hutchison was atrocious and i don't know how he got the 5/8th spot ahead of jikorima... Taylor just doesn't look confident to call the ball in situations when someone else wants it as well (eg hogs like Hastings).. I think he talk about debuting Taylor NOW will quiet down a little bit now won't it? Taylor needs to grow in confidence b4 commanding around a group of men, he's obviously extremely talented but can wait AT LEAST a year and a bit (next years origin period).. Why they kept giving it to Hutchison on tackle 5 I have no idea, Taylor was light years ahead in kicking. Arrow has to be getting looked at for a debut soon I think, maybe the Newcastle (missing whole back row then due to Glenn injury and SOO 1)

 

[Kimlo]

Disappointing game for me. I was really looking forward to watching Taylor and Jikorima, Taylor didn't really do anything in attack, and Jiko unfortunately came off injured before he could play any real part in the game.

Why does Anasta have to be a full time commentator. **** off. Get actual good callers like Vossy and Rabs. I'm sick of footy players being given commentary roles, I'm sure there's much better talent for the job.

 

[Porthoz]

I thought Hastings was cutting Taylor out of the play but looked for Hutcheson when on his side of the field. Arrow was one of the best on ground

Agree. It seemed he went out of his way to bypass Taylor, who didn't exert the usual control, but kept it relatively simple. He did actually surprise me defensively.

 

[Big Pete]

Not much between either side.

I thought NZ were the better side. They showed more cohesion than the Australians in both attack and defence but just didn't have the talent to match it with the Kangaroos.

However, I walked away from that Kangaroo performance feeling very mixed. I thought the likes of Lodge, Arrow, Moeroa etc. played well but there seemed to be a lot of selfish play on show. Even that Val Holmes play, as spectacular as it was, seemed more about him getting on the highlights reel than it did about the team.

Broncos

Drew - Typical performance by him. A couple of really strong carries mixed with a lot of soft efforts in defence. He has plenty of talent but just isn't committing himself as much as he should have.

Taylor - Was clearly playing second banana to Hutchinson who is bit of a prized cow. I thought his kicks into corners were useful but when he was asked to step up in the second half he was a little sloppy. I'd say it was a quiet game from him, but still plenty of good signs.

Ofahengaue - Good game without being great. Didn't have any problem putting his hand up and did make a very important run which basically gave Moeroa the opportunity to shine but it was littered with some weak efforts both in attack and defence.

Berrell - I thought he looked a little out of his depth. Tried hard but he was bit of a non-threat around the ruck and some of his passes were pretty sketchy.

Arrow - I thought he was the Broncos best rep on the field. Got through plenty of work and a lot of it was quality text-book stuff as well. Not flashy but plnety to like, you can see why Bennett was so quick to re-sign him.

Nikorima - Really disappointed that he had to come off so soon. Really took an element out of the match and it seemed to throw the Aussies off a bit.

 

[broncos4life]

What's the go with the Hutchinson bloke? Is this just an off game for him? I've never seen him play but going by that performance I can't see how he would get a start in the standard u20s, let alone rep standard. Was absolutely atrocious.

 

[Big Pete]

Off game but he was also pretty bad in last year's fixture as well so maybe he just struggles in tougher environments?

The Dragons have him earmarked as a future star of the club and he's been playing NSW Cup for over a year now despite qualifying for the NYC.

 

[1910]

Really high quality game, I thought Ofahengaue was better in his second stint than his first. He came back into the game and made some really strong runs.

Not sure what they said in the commentary or showed but Nikorima was fine; he was concussed so couldn't come back but he was 100% by full time.

Great defence by Taylor, that tackle was unbelievable. He got caught a bit just catching and passing but that can happen in rep games when around other good players. (I did say this week his defence had improved and was more effective).

Arrow, first stint was strong he knew he was starting early in the week so had plenty of time to get ready and prepared well. His stocks keep rising and he is becoming a real Parker type ruck player. He hyperextended his knee a bit but will be fine.

 

[austin71]

Thanks for the insight [MENTION=8272]1910[/MENTION]