Last week I questioned the New Zealand sides lack of attack and had concerns that the Warriors wouldn't be able to create opportunities. The Warriors, however, showed up to play and put on their best performance of 2020 with a 37-26 victory.
Well, what a way to prove me wrong.
After scoring a measly 24 points in the first 4 rounds of the season the Warriors turned their attack around scoring 7 tries. It was a great performance in my eyes and hopefully is something that the side can keep up for the rest of the season.
The Warriors had a gameplan to combat Jason Taumalolo and the Cowboys, and it worked, the loss of Valentine Holmes and Jordan McLean to injury did not help the Cowboys, and you could see that they were getting fatigued.
Still, credit must go to the Warriors for not letting up, there were moments when the game could have gone the other way, but the Warriors kept attacking.
The young players stepped up once again and continue to stake their claim for spots in the gameday 17 and with players like Ken Maumalo and David Fusitu'a due to return soon the side could starting climbing their way up the ladder.
Peta Hiku needs a mention, when he let Kyle Feldt score a soft try, I was pulling my hair out and screaming at the screen, but he didn't drop his head and went on to have a strong game scoring a hat-trick and made some good defensive reads.
There is still plenty of improvement needed in this side, but it's another step in the right direction, which leads me to my positives from the game.
The forward pack was strong once again with all the starting forwards running for over 100 metres, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown was a standout consistently bending the defensive line and threatening to breakthrough. Tohu Harris and Adam Blair performed well once again, and loan player Poasa Faamausili continues to impress. With such a young pack, it is going to be exciting to see how they all develop and could well become a dominating pack once they get some experience under their belt.
I have been very harsh on the Warriors halves this season but credit where credits due they really came to play. When Holmes got injured both Green and Nikorima changed up their attack and started to incorporate some chip kicks into the attack which really worked. As long as they can continue to offer a bit of dimension to their attack, then I am happy to see them continue playing together. They just need to play with the same intent each and every week.
The teams' defence improved this week, the biggest issue against the Panthers last week was the Warriors inability to wrap the ball carrier up; however this week they hit the forwards in groups and ensured that the Cowboys could not throw many offloads.
If the Warriors can continue to shut their opponent's second phase down, then the Warriors will give themselves plenty of chances to walk away with a victory.
There are still concerns; however, which leads me to my negatives from the game.
The Warriors cut down on their errors, but when they did make unforced errors in their own half, they allowed the Cowboys to capitalise and score some soft tries almost immediately from the scrum.
I'm not sure if that is down to a weakness in the Warriors backline or the Cowboys just having some good set plays, but the Warriors will need to show the ball a bit more respect when they are stuck in their own half.
Lastly, the Warriors still need to work on their penalty count, they reduced it this match but only by one so fewer penalties in the game would help them stay in the fight.
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This was Nikorima's best performance to date in a Warriors Jersey, speaking after the match Nikorima said he was told during the week by Stacey Jones to be greedy and run the ball.
Nikorima ended the match with 97 metres, 1 line break and 2 try assists and showed how dangerous a player he can be.
By simply engaging the defensive line, he creates holes and can put players into attacking situations. His combination with Eliesa Katoa on the left edge was particularly damaging and I look forward to that partnership building this season and beyond.
Plus when you throw Peta Hiku and Ken Mamalo on that edge too, it just screams try-time and could help the Warriors get back into the season.
If Nikorima can continue to play this more engaging and exciting style, then the Warriors will be all the better for it.
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It was hard to single out anyone in this match as I thought everyone played well, but I've gone with Murchie this week.
He was a bit quieter in comparison to the other forwards, only averaging 8 metres a carry and missing 2 tackles. It's clutching at straws, but with Agnatius Paasi ready to return, Murchie is the only player I would pick from this pack to be replaced by the veteran front-rower.
Round 6 sees the Warriors face the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Bankwest Stadium.
The Rabbitohs suffered a 22-8 defeat to the Melbourne Storm and will be looking at making a statement against the New Zealand Side.
Latrell Mitchell looked good in defeat and will be dangerous if the Warriors don't reduce his impact on this match.
If the forwards have another strong showing and Nikorima continues his new found form, then the Warriors have a good chance to walk away winners here.
I think it will be a close match, but unfortunately, I think the Rabbitohs will be walking away with a narrow win here, so I am picking the Rabbitohs to win by 10.
So that was an improved Round 5, and as usual, I will leave you with some questions.
How do you think the halves went?
How do you think the halves went?
Who was your player of the day?
Do you think the Warriors can deliver this type of performance regularly?
What is your score prediction for the Rabbitohs clash?
Brad, this season is like the few times the hottest girl from school ended up speaking to you. Hints of good things to come but it's not as if you're about to cop a feel any time yet.
ReplyDeleteThe boys have a real confidence about them and it seem less likely that they will roll over when there is a set back like in seasons past.
I think Niko has earnt his spot permanently now. Getting Fus and Mudmalo back will just leave me wanting glake green to get injured so CHT is in the halves with Niko. I like blake green but every team knows hes not a threat with ball in hand. He's way too slow.
It makes such a nice change to be praising the Warriors forwards and equally surprising to be admiring the play of Adam Blair. I just have to admit that Blair is playing well these days and long may that continue. The much criticised Blake Green also was very good, particularly his kicking game but can players like him and Blair, who most of us had written off, continue to play well, especially against better opposition?
ReplyDeleteFor two consecutive weeks we have conceded 26 points, but with two very different outcomes. It is hard not to think that our results depend heavily on who we are playing against rather than our own ability. Having said that, we have shown what we are capable of if we play well and things go our way. As usual, confidence is probably an important factor for this team so we wait and hope.
Clearly, both halves played well, not just as individuals, but together with each player exhibiting different strengths and Nikorima an easy pick for player of the match. It is pleasing to see him begin to show what a game changer he can be.
Yet again, a win to Souths appears to be the most likely result, but I will pick the Warriors, as I do every week. This time by 8.