Saints are missing 8 players to the World Cup and then on top of that there are injuries to Sarge, Dicko and The Step. This meant a number of new players and youngsters were taking the field. Despite a good pre-season we still weren't sure just how this would turn out. What we got was some good play, mixed with some basic errors, but we also got to see some real promise.
Martin Roberts really stepped up to fill Dickos shoes. I'm not quite sure why he was down to fourth choice at the Scarlets last season because he showed some pace and an eye for a break. What I look for in a scrum half is someone who doesn't need to take three steps before his pass from the scrum, and Robbo has a great pass. He managed to get a try in his first real game for the Saints, making the most of a sleepy Cherry and White pack.
Samul Manoa was another one to shine. He passed over the opportunity to play for the USA in the world cup, preferring to play for the Saints. A brave choice. He certainly didn't look like someone who has never played for a professional team before. For a big man he had a good turn of pace and his line out jumping was excellent.
Ben Nutley deserves a mention as well. A real youngster coming up through the ranks from the academy. From this performance you wouldn't known that he hadn't been out there for years. Absolute commitment and even with a head injury he didn't want to go off to be bandaged up.
So why the nail biter. At one point Saints were ahead and almost comfortable. 51 minutes into the game the score was 23-13. All the Saints players had to do was shut the game down. Unfortunately that's not how it goes when you're a Saints fan. And sure enough, 76 mins in the game had changed and the score was 23-24. But Gloucester made a fatal error, a punch thrown in a heated moment, and Lamby, in his first match, had the chance to win the game with a penalty. Not the hardest but also not the easiest, and under immense pressure he landed it. 26-24
Two players are looking like remaining controversial amongst Saints fans. Smyler has always been one you either love or hate. Overall he had a good match and showed sone variety in gameplay not often seen before. In fact Dowse's try game from Smyler sucking in the defence and then a beautiful underarm backhand off-load. The other to attract debate is NotNow. He is too hesitant off the foot and needs to back his own ability, but he was active and certainly not a winger who is happy on the sidelines. He put in some strong tackles and has potential.
Saints - Tries: Robbo, Dowse; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (3), Lamby
Gloucester - Tries: Sharples, May; Cons: Taylor; Pens: Taylor (2), Burns; DG: Burns
No comments:
Post a Comment