Waikato seemed destined to have a tough season. A defeat to Southland, a close victory over Manawatu, a hiding of epic proportions to Canterbury and now defeat to our Chiefs franchise partners the 'mighty' Bay of Plenty Steamers. The game today at Bay Park Stadium (which is a converted Speedway track, with no big screen) was another lost opportunity which save for Counties Manukau will see Waikato proping up the bottom of the table.
What went wrong? We were beaten in the breakdown by a hungry steams pack. Mike Delaney was devasting with his kicking, including a penalty that he struck from half way. We made crucial handling errors and the Waikato line out is a shambles. As we have said for much of the season Callum Bruce operating from first five does not seem to have the quality required. His goal kicking again was poor.
What about the referee? Again crucial decisions at crucila times went against us. At one point when the Bay of Plenty lead was still only seven points at the 70 minute mark the referee called advantage to Waikato, then allowed Bay of Plenty to receive a penalty immediatley afterwards. That allowed Bay of Plenty an easy penatly to take a ten point lead. Where o where Bryce Lawrence was the advantage in that?
What positives can we take from the game? The backs at points looked sharp for a change. Liam Messam made some good meters but too often was let down by support play
Where to next for the Mooloo Men? Our next game at Counties Manukau should see us move off the bottom of the table. There's surely no chance of us losing that. Following that we play our bogey team of the last two seasons Hawkes Bay at home. Vital games where we need to take full advantge and gain bonus points.
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