Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:54 pm  

A good defence demoralises apposing teams. There have been some great defensive teams that have graced the Odsal Turf in the years gone by.

I hardly know much about the "New Team" I am interested to know from all what part of Jimmys thinking with the players he has brought in, will harden the bulls defence and shut out the opposition.

[Bullseye]

Re: Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 2:37 pm  

Our defence looked pretty good versus Cas and again not too bad versus Leeds. Walker and Purtell looked a bit vulnerable last Sunday but they won’t be marking Watkins and Moon every week.

Our extra power in the front row should mean energy levels will be higher which has got to help our defence. IIRC Clough has a good defence with relatively few missed tackles. If Ferguson can get on the field he’s the same. Pitts looks very hungry from what I can see.

On the fringes Lowes has plenty of options but some look safer than others. Good job we have a big squad.

[Bulliac]

Re: Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 2:50 pm  

Indeed!

Agree about the defence, we've looked keen, which is half the battle and given decent displays against two SL clubs, one of them likely to be in the top four and it's very fair to say we're unlikely to face that level of opponent too often in the championship.

Given we've only played the two games though, it seems we've picked up a few injuries. Don't know what Jimmy has been doing to them but I hope they're all safely wrapped up for the army exercises..

[Bullseye]

Re: Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 3:38 pm  

Well we know Mullaney got a knock versus Leeds and Baille got one at Cas

Blythe, Petersen and Fleming have been carrying knocks and Ferguson hasn’t been risked for some reason.

Not sure why Addy missed out on Sunday or why Bates has missed both games.

Lauaki hasn’t turned up yet. I hope he hasn’t been on the pies since Manly’s season finished.

That’s 8 affected off the top of my head.

Re: Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 4:40 pm  

How has Walshaw gone in the friendly matches?

Re: Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 6:54 pm  

Bullseye wrote:

Well we know Mullaney got a knock versus Leeds and Baille got one at Cas

Blythe, Petersen and Fleming have been carrying knocks and Ferguson hasn’t been risked for some reason.

Not sure why Addy missed out on Sunday or why Bates has missed both games.

Lauaki hasn’t turned up yet. I hope he hasn’t been on the pies since Manly’s season finished.

That’s 8 affected off the top of my head.

People who saw mullaney after match say it was just a knock. Think we can add uiasele to ones potentially carrying a knock given his non selection. Did o'brien come back on later in Leeds game? He seemed to come off for conroy fairly early.

Re: Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 7:17 pm  

mat wrote:

People who saw mullaney after match say it was just a knock. Think we can add uiasele to ones potentially carrying a knock given his non selection. Did o'brien come back on later in Leeds game? He seemed to come off for conroy fairly early.

O'Brien did come back on, yes.

Re: Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 8:22 pm  

I Heard Blythe is laid up with serious back issues, may be touch and go if he plays this year.

[Bullseye]

Re: Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 8:26 pm  

Blythe's important for us so I hope he does make it back this year.

Walshaw's done ok. He's a big unit but is quite quick. Could do a job in the centres I reckon, he's quicker than Chev.

Re: Defence this year 2015 : Tue Jan 27, 2015 8:28 pm  

miketaurus wrote:

A good defence demoralises apposing teams. There have been some great defensive teams that have graced the Odsal Turf in the years gone by.

I hardly know much about the "New Team" I am interested to know from all what part of Jimmys thinking with the players he has brought in, will harden the bulls defence and shut out the opposition.

Have you looked at the table showing by player missed tackles: made tackles ratios on page 1 of Bulls Squad 2015, where the stats are available. The front row is a big improvement not simply in numbers but few missed tackles, likewise Baille Pitts and Walshaw look good defensively and Williams for a wing is decent. Bullseyes point about the props is a good one, the rest of the team will benefit. when you are tired concentration goes tackles get missed etc etc