
Francis Ray and the flock that flew from the nest were right on their game in Port Moresby.
Again the Eagles should shoot themselves for lost opportunities. Biggest problem in the game...no one straightens up attack. Eagles had so much of play in the last 20 minutes of the game. Some hard running straight runners would have put them in between the uprights no problems. Dominic Angra of the Eagles needs more ball in his hands - to good a player to be sitting out on the wing. Put him at full back and in attack come nipping around the halves. These guys are quality halves - that you can say for the Eagles, especially "7"-Good kicking game, and good committment to the end.
Having said that. Rangers can be beaten on the back of good completions and good kick chase. Don't think forwards can do that much damage if they keep turning around back to their 20m line. Goroka should test the wingers out. Other then Emmanuel I don't think the winngers did much work - they seemed to be relying on Uki too much - turn them around and make them work from the corners. Up and in, in defence rather then allowing room on the outside - They like running across the park and picking the chances on the outside both the back rowers (Kuike) and centres (Ene). Defend them pushing up quick on the outside and in and force Benjamin (9) and Onguglo (6) to make play. Give Benjamin a little more defencive work while his up at hooker, see if he can do so much running on the back of 20 tackles a half. He's a good player but don't give him to much respect.
Via email by White Line Madness
thanks for the insight. just a question, was there any structure to the play or did it seem like players doing whatever they want?
ReplyDeleteI'd say both teams did display some sort of structure in the game. The halves on both teams performed well to dictate general play and directing traffic.
ReplyDeleteEagles should have won. The penalty count went their way but unfortunately, they couldn't convert them to points. Their completion rate was pathetic.
Eagles are definitely missing the service of Francis Ray as Kevin Teme (Post Courier reporter) puts it. They are lacking leadership up front and consistent hard runs straight up the ruck.
Just as White Line Madness says, the forwards were running sideways in Ranger's red zone. I reckon people like Emmaneul Kunjin, Leo Koipa and Yapet Tee would have made a huge difference. I don't understand why the Eagles selectors decided to drop these fine demolishing forwards. Besides they are seasoned campaigners in the last few years.
I guess that's something to do with the tussle between sponsors and the board.
People like Francis Ray and Ham Tee shouldn't have left. They were actually dumped by the Eagles so they were out to prove what they were made of and they delivered. Good on you guys.