I dread the boost we've given to saints

[southportcdm]

The worst thing about Flower's actions yesterday was the boost he's given to saints. They won a Grand Final with a team that wasn't really good enough to win. They've broken that awful run in finals and will be far stronger next year when they get their injured players back plus a new stand off. With only one signing, I don't think we'll improve much next year and what do we do about props when Flower is given the long ban that he deserves? Taylor seems to be on his way, James will be another year older and any injuries during pre-season (quite common) could leave us short of good props early in the season. We're relying on our youngsters to fill the vital stand off and fullback roles (they have great talent but it could take time) and we still don't have a suitable replacement for Sean who will more more games during the next couple of seasons. This could be the start of a good period for our biggest rivals and I'm not certain that we have the squad to match them.

[Suzieb]

We should,nt be wasting money on over aged over sea players we have got enough talent coming through but they will never gain experience if they are left in the academy team week in week out

[cpwigan]

Saints need a new coach. For all his statements post match, Brown is off. Saints are on a par with the rest of SL. Nothing more. I actually think Leeds will come back stronger in 2015 if they can manage the transition from ageing players retiring. Wire will be better too.

[Owd Codger]

Here we go again, blaming this and that player when we lose a game.

We lost because of four things imo.

The appointment of Bentham as Referee when he is renown for giving controversial decisions against us in important games.

The absence of Mcllorum which allow Roby a freebie to shine.

The stupidity reaction of Flower to fall for the Saints tactic of provocation which was evident from the word go.

The wrong tactic's by our team by trying to play down the middle all the time with one man short instead of getting the ball wide. The only time we troubled them was when on the odd occasion we did that.

[menpond]

Bowen has a new contract,but fair comment in the main.

[menpond]

This is ridiculous.The Elephant in the room.What about team selection,particularly in the props, important more so when we play with small skillful second rowers.,and two specialist lightweight hookers. No margin for error.Wane appears to have fallen out with both Taylor and Dudson..Not enough care and attention or is Wane the messiah.???

[Mike]

WW blaming a player and the coaches tactics. How reactionary.

[Wandering Warrior]

Here we go again, blaming this and that player when we lose a game.

We lost because of four things imo.

The appointment of Bentham as Referee when he is renown for giving controversial decisions against us in important games.

The absence of Mcllorum which allow Roby a freebie to shine.

The stupidity reaction of Flower to fall for the Saints tactic of provocation which was evident from the word go.

The wrong tactic's by our team by trying to play down the middle all the time with one man short instead of getting the ball wide. The only time we troubled them was when on the odd occasion we did that.

All the above are fair comments and the try we scored was wide out.
If we had not been reduced to twelve men I suspect it would be us rejoicing today however what will always stick in my mind is how Bentman would have dealt with the situation if Flower had not reacted?

[Mike]

My memory of the game includes us chucking the ball wide at leadt twice in every set. Regardless of posution on the field. I'm not sure where all this only up the middle is coming from. If we chucked the ball out more often we'd only need the forwards for defending!

Not a complaint about these tactics btw, just a comment about me thinking our tactics were pretty unchanged for this match .

[Panchitta Marra]

Here we go again, blaming this and that player when we lose a game.

We lost because of four things imo.

The appointment of Bentham as Referee when he is renown for giving controversial decisions against us in important games.

The absence of Mcllorum which allow Roby a freebie to shine.

The stupidity reaction of Flower to fall for the Saints tactic of provocation which was evident from the word go.

The wrong tactic's by our team by trying to play down the middle all the time with one man short instead of getting the ball wide. The only time we troubled them was when on the odd occasion we did that.

Is getting the ball out wide the best option when you're a man down WW. How do you get that overlap with 1 less man.
You do get that overlap and by numbers you're either weak in the middle or on the opposite side of the pitch to which you are overlapping from.
I think slipping the ball back inside is an option.