Rob Andrew Column 2

No-one is pretending it was the perfect performance, but Brian and the squad deserve enormous credit for coming out with a 44-22 victory against Samoa last weekend.

It’s very easy for the critics to have a go at certain parts of the game. There were times when we didn’t go that well, particularly 10-15 minutes in the second half, but the bottom line is that we got the victory, we scored four good tries and we got a bonus point. It’s easy for the commentators and even former players to forget, but when we won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 we were 10-0 down to Samoa after as many minutes and we were still behind in the 62nd minute. Last weekend we were 10-0 up at the same point.

Had you given the players, coaches and supporters that outcome before the game everyone would have jumped at it. After the enormous disappointment of the South Africa game, the important thing about our response was that the squad didn’t let that performance destroy them. Instead, they spent time trying to understand it and make sure it didn’t happen again. And as a result they put in a better performance against Samoa and got that all important victory.

Let’s not forget that anything less would have meant our tournament was over.

For me, the most positive aspect to come out of the game was the first signs of our attacking game coming into some shape. As I’ve said before, our set piece, both scrums and lineouts, is pretty solid, as is our defence at set piece but now we’re seeing the first signs of something to build on in attack and that’s a few more pieces of the jigsaw to build on. We showed attacking fluidity and shape which enabled us to construct four outstanding tries.

After the huge improvement we made from South Africa to Samoa, our challenge this week is to keep the good things going but also improve on our attacking play and take things one step further. We need to make sure that, against a dangerous team like Tonga, we don’t give them broken play opportunities because they’ll thrive on that.

Tonga, I think, have the strongest forward platform of all the Island sides, their set piece game is very solid and they’ve shown that. They scrum well and their back row is outstanding, particularly the explosive Finau Maka.

They’re pretty dangerous behind the scrum too, with the likes of Epi Taione at inside centre.

Tongan Epi Taione -  Picture Empics

I mean who else would change their name to Paddy Power! I know Epi well, he’s a great player and a great character as was evident from the first day he joined Newcastle.

It’s no surprise he’s called me boring – I spent most of my time at Newcastle trying to get him out of the pub! When Inga (Tuigamala) and Pat Lam left there was no-one to keep an eye on him and drag him out of the pubs and clubs. I had to rely on spies all around Newcastle reporting back on where he was and what time he’d left.

With his athleticism and skills he was - and is - a massive talent. Although the newer Falcons like Toby and Mathew won’t remember him, Jonny and Epi came through at the same time and almost grew up together at Newcastle. They’ll know what to expect of each other, certainly with Epi playing at 12 we know he’ll be a handful – just like always!

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• England vs Samoa RWC Match Review
• Rob Andrew's thoughts on the challenges facing Eng
• Rugby World Cup Fans Photo Gallery-Updated 26/9/07

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS