Well, with a hangover, I watched the replay this morning on FOXTEL, it was a tougher Test than
most expected...I did say 'beware the wounded GB Lion"
GB can hold their heads high after this test, they were in this game up to their knees and could of easily stole victory when trailing 6-8 later in the second half. Paul Wellens (who IMO was poor again) had the over lap attacking 10m out from the tryline and could of put Pryce in yet chose to take on the Aussies on his own. Stupid, stupid play that has gone un-noticed by GB fans who are now calling their team a "international sporting joke" which is rather unfair and shows a lack of any sort of idea about the game rugby league on their part.
The weather really helped GB and it became a tough slog up the middle for the majority of the game.
My Australian player ratings:
1. Minichello - 8 - Barring one handling error, he was sensational in tough conditions for any fullback. Led the side with 152m to his name with match winning try.
2. King - 7 - Did nothing wrong, made 108m in all polished performance.
3. Gasnier - 8 - Always looked dangerous with ball in hand, the best runner from dummy half it has to be said as well. Defensively sound as well.
4. Cooper - 8 - Great game, won myself some money for first try scorer and looked right at home in this test. Two try effort, Jamie Lyon has one hell of a fight on his hands to reclaim a test centre position.
5. Tate - 7 - Easily could get a higher rating here for that one play where he made 20m where by rights he should of been pegged in his own in-goal. Much improved showing defensively as well.
6. Lockyer - 7 - Quiet in a game that was going to be won by the forward battle. Set up the match winning try to Minichello, defensively was good and his kicking game improved the longer the match went.
7. Prince - 6 - Tough test to make your debut in if your a halfback and Prince found it hard to make an real impact with his running or kicking game. He will have a bigger game next weekend.
8. Civoniceva - 6 - Made 79m and 24 tackles. Again, nothing to write home about. I would start O'Meley or Ryles in his place as alot his work is done with little impact.
9. Buderus - 6 - Very busy defensively (31 tackles in 50-55 minutes) though for the third test in a row, not much attacking wise.
10. Price - 7 - Made some incisive runs when needed as he always does at all levels. Improved on last hit out.
11. O'Donnell - 7 - Had to adjust his game to 'cover' Lockyer and his stats suffered a little for it though he was still solid this morning. What a breakout tour this is proving to be for the Cowboy.
12. Fitzgibbon - 8 - Goal kicking was important in this test, he delivered. Made 40 tackles, 101m and I ate some humble pie here as I was calling for his head. With no goalkicker, he will start as long as he is healthy. His running has more of an impact than the previous two tests.
13. Kennedy - 6 - Quiet game from BK in a test where if I knew the conditions before the match, he would be my nomination to pick up M.O.M. Made one great pass to Gasnier which set up Cooper's second try though was quiet for the majority.
14. Barret - 6 - Didn't make the impact of previous tests.
15. Ryles - 6 - Got stuck in as soon as he came on the field, though was quieter than normal. Maybe the injury had something to do with it.
16. O'Meley - 7 - Another strong performance off the bench for O'Meley, again, I cannot see how we are not starting him. O'Meley makes impact in attack and defence, 22 tackles, 14 hit ups for 122m, enough said.
17. Mason - 6 - Made on great run after another poor kick from Deacon, relatively quiet and limited opportunities given.
GB were best served by Stuart Fielden AGAIN. What a prop this guy is, a new age prop in the mould of Jason Ryles and Paul Harrogan.
Adrian Morley was good (what a tackle on Tate!), Carney was solid, Keiron Cunningham was always threatening.
Jamie Thackray should of saw more playing time IMO, he looked damaging when on the field though did not get enough minutes.
GB will not win a test match with Paul Deacon at halfback, in short, he is not up to test level to put it bluntly. No, I am not going to push for Rob Burrow who has not showed he is up to either, though I think GB are in a bind here. I can see why they would stick with the familiar halves combo from Bradford, though he does not appear to be a long term prospect.
What a shame Danny McGuire is injured is all I can say.
Great test, loved every minute of it.
Congrats to our boys! :afro:
DeeGan