Farah Palmer Cup 2022
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@trooa said in Farah Palmer Cup 2022:
Impressed with BOP, played to their strengths up front. Look well coached, support play was outstanding. Lacking a bit of x-factor & experience out wide to beat the top teams but great result as 14pt underdogs against Manawatu.
Hard to say accurately from the at ground view but the whole back line seemed a bit lost at times, especially on defence. Mostly through inexperience. I can only assume that the halfback was their only option as I don’t think she normally plays there and it showed at times. Good player though and they will only improve with time. I think there were 6 debuts in the team.
That “kick pass” catch and run in was a highlight and saved them I think. -
@Crucial Reserve Backs are all on the smaller side so defence will be an on-going issue but they only had one pre-season game so hopefully they can improve their connection over the next few weeks. 5 of those 6 debutants were backs, reserve HB & 12 are in their first year of rugby so it'll take some time adjusting to the big step up in skill-level from club rugby. Loved that kick pass especially doing that when we were tightening up & starting to lose the match.
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Match reports with highlight videos
https://www.allblacks.com/news/farah-palmer-cup-round-2-review/
Table after two rounds
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Watched all the highlights after catching Cant v Akld on the weekend. Men's or women's game, you can spot the players who have time and space. Some great tries and some cliff hanger results as well.
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This could be interesting.
After watching through the BOP game against the Poo as televised, they looked much better than I thought at the ground. Initially I thought Auckland may be a big class above but BOP forwards are very good and have a strong scrum. The young backs should have shaken off some nerves and having Wickliffe at the back directing them could really help. She's not shy at yapping and hopefully we will see better decisions in defence. The youngsters will feel more comfortable playing at Blake Park too. Home ground for the Mount players. -
Well, a very ugly win for BOP but have to admire the defensive effort. Much better alignment and communication in the backs meant that Auckland had to go up the middle and the mistakes and turnovers happened. Big confidence boost for the team although they may suffer from BF call ups.
I think Auckland smashed them by 40 last year so this was pretty huge. -
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@Donsteppa said in Farah Palmer Cup 2022:
That was heart in mouth stuff watching the Volcanix forever running the ball out of their own 22, given the potential for breakdown penalties at any time. But it worked!
I dont think the coaches have confidence in the clearing kicks tbh and I can see why it's not a huge option. Handing the opposition a lineout on the 22 isn't great, but yeah they need to be a bit more organised with the recycles if they want to wait for an opportunity to relieve pressure. Connor is a smart player though. She changed up the tactics on field which is great captaincy and realised that the best tap options are the ones you keep direct and close. Don't pass it one or two out and make no ground.
I'd be very happy for her to captain the BFs to be honest. Would be one of the form players in the country at the moment. Makes ground every carry, accurate when she goes to ground, big hits. Kind of a white girl version of Sami T.
