Spot on - you can the difference in our defence which now appears to have some structure to it, and the tackling has improved.



For me the issue last night was the first half - we spent plenty of time in the Cas 20 but just didn't/couldn't score - I was then expecting to go down by 20 points plus in the 2nd half playing up the slope but in fact it ended up 10 8 with a much improved performance - clearly Hock going off early in the 1st half was a big problem for us.

Does anyone know what happened with tomkins?

I agree once we get more overall pace in the backline I think we'll be fine. We're just lacking a couple of quicker players capable of finding some holes or finishing off some breaks. I'm sure Locke and MCB will soon provide us with what were lacking. A big plus is that the hard work Harris has put into the defence appears to be showing now.

Absolutely spot on, chap!!



The emergence of Evalds just shows the ability of Noble to spot talent....thank God we haven't lost him. In my opinion he is already worth his weight in gold from a utility point of view and has to be found a place in the 17. I think this puts particular pressure on Theo, particularly next year as Niall reminds me of Ratchford in that he exudes confidence in his own ability and nothing seems to phase him.



Although disappointed, I did come away from the ground revved up for our next game as I believe we are improving each week - we just need to focus on our attack as much as we have our defence in the last few weeks. I also hope that the arrival of Locke will lift the dressing room and prove a catalyst for a strong end of season (without making any bold predictions).

I think we're getting much nearer to where we need to be. You can just sense this team is getting close to finding the level of performance you would expect from them.



I bet yesterday was the quietest it's been throughout a game at the Jungle all year. OK they can say they made too many errors and didn't play well but I'd like to think we had a bearing on that.

I would suggest loaning that young full back to us next season. Agreed with red John that he was motm. I don't agree that there isn't much between the 2 sides in general though. We were utter foul yesterday, void of intelligence at times, I'd agree and say we didn't deserve to win. We are so much better then yesterday as we have shown this year, have you guys shown that? With that being said I'm sure you'll improve bucket loads next year.

Supporters of a few teams we've played recently have complained that they can play better than that. The common denominator is you've been playing us. Our defence has improved massively under Iestyn, and we're stifling teams. You play as well as the opposition let you, and we're not letting teams play well at the moment. Once our attack improves, we'll see a huge improvement in our fortunes.



As for letting Niall go on loan to you...nah. Look what happened last time we let you play with one of our players. You squealed like wounded pigs when it was time for him to go home. Although I'll be disppointed to see Marc go, it will entirely be because he's a home grown player. Aside from his kicking game, I think Rangi is the more creative half-back. Niall Evalds, though, is the real deal. Letting him go would be just dumb.

Well what will happen to him? Is he friends with Marc? I've been quite philosophical about sneyds future but he seemed damn happy yesterday. I do feel for the lad at full back because naturally Locke will slot in there. Obviously I was joking about him being loaned to us!

Again, agreed...........are we related?

Evalds is only a kid, he'll learn a hell of a lot playing under Kevin Locke. He's been outstanding since being given the chance. He plays just as well at half back (his natural position apparantly) and wing.

Like I said earlier, the commentary on the Red Devils app mentioned no issues with the time and gave the exact number of minutes and seconds left during the last 5 minutes. While maybe not as natural a commentator as a 'professional', I think they did a much better job than they do on GMR in that they actually tell you what's going on in the game. On GMR often they'll go off on a tangent and miss about three sets before telling you someone's scored which becomes really frustrating.



Been impressed by what I've seen of Evalds. My only minor criticism of him is that when he's returning the ball sometimes he seems a bit apprehensive and dances about when he should just use pace to get those extra metres before he's met by the chasing defenders.

I'd say evalds is undroppable at the moment so when locke comes I'd have a Backline of



Locke

Johnson

Caton-brown

Sau

Evalds