Regroup and reappraisal : Thu Jul 18, 2019 10:02 pm
What to say after that? I have read the comments in the other threads and its hard to disagree with most of the individual player or coaching comments, though I would disagree with some.I think we need to stand back and take a big, deep breath.
10 weeks ago we had "the best club in the world, a great coach and the strongest squad in years". we all mostly said. First injuries decimated a squad not as deep as the ones with the big money. A few have drifted back and the addition of Tanginoa has helped us keep paddling as we drown.
To me, the biggest problem is the lack of power and line speed of the pack. Without a fully functioning Fifita and the use of Pauli Pauli when we are ascendant, we are very ineffectual. King is decent enough. Even at our best we lacked real forward punch minus Fifita.
Then Brough....He is just too late for us as a player. He is Championship now ....he is just not quite there anymore. Yes, there's still some great passes and kicks some of the time but there's some dreadful stuff that is dragging us right down and he was very much a part of the first 12 points tonight. Dropped off tackles like he just couldn't get there or couldn't be bothered to.
Sadly, as a man I really like and think is not a bad coach...Chris Chester is a problem. Tonight, team selection. I didn't like it at all. But after 12-0 it was glaringly obvious it was horrendously not working. Too light in the pack, Hampshire hopelessly exposed as not a winger and Arundel contributing to a fish out of water appearance. Brough all over the place for the 3rd game in a row (yes he had better moments v Cas but was still inadequate mostly). Chester on TV..frowning and looking desperate. I am sure we all have our opinions but I thought, move Hampshire to 7. Take Brough off. Put Arundel on the wing. Bring Fifita on and Annakin at the same time and show some f ing intent!Chester sat there, frankly, like he did as Hull HR coach v Leeds in the challenge cup final... and froze. Then went ape poop in the changing room at half time by the looks of the sky coverage. I'm afraid this 'losing the dressing room ; thing confuses me but maybe if the team don't get the plan, maybe this is the result. What to do? If you sack Chester now, who takes over? I can only think of one man who could change this slide right now. John Kear. I sit back and await the outburst