Even though the crowd’s applause for a second-half fightback from a 22-5 deficit was significant, the professional pride to investigate just how they fell so far below expected standards in the opening 40 minutes (19 points behind inside 26 minutes) is sure to hold sway.
Having come so close to victory was a commendable effort, but it was clear from the reaction from coaching staff and players that a repeat of the opening half will not be tolerated. Something that is likely to be drilled home before the first away cup fixture against Newport Gwent Dragons Select this weekend.
Said forwards coach Steve Boden: ‘The bare minimum we got was that we showed a bit of pride in the shirt in the second half – but first half we got out-enthused on our own field – and that’s just not acceptable in my book.
‘The boys showed courage and commitment in the second half, but if we’d had that same level of intensity from the start then we’d have probably won that game by quite a few points.’
Speaking of the lineout, which struggled on Saturday, Boden said: ‘The wind limited our options and their guy at the front did well and got up very quickly, but at times our drilling was just extremely sloppy. But it was a general all-round performance, not just backs or forwards, that was no where near the standards we set ourselves. It wasn’t acceptable and if any of the players thinks it was they can come and say that face to face, because it wasn’t in my opinion.’
Alex Rae, a clearly-disappointed Reds captain, said: ‘The first half was not acceptable, but we did show character in the second half to give ourselves a shot of victory. But a draw was probably a fair reflection. We prepared well, but I can’t really put a finger on why we performed like that. The players are aware of it and pretty disappointed. But we’ve only played one game, so we’re still in contention with five games to go. The players aren’t stupid, they know where things went wrong, but they came back and showed fire and character – and I’d be a whole lot more worried if we’d just rolled over and died.’
Head coach Harvey Biljon was more positive, however: ‘It was impressive to comeback from 22-5 down to within a kick of victory, but we’ll have to go away have a talk about some of our decision-making in the first half. But at the same time there were some brilliant tries scored by Jersey today – in difficult conditions.
Asked about the lineout, with Jersey having squandered possession throughout the game, Biljon said: ‘When you have a lot of changes to personnel – front row, second row and back row –you’re always going to have teething problems, particularly in those conditions. It shows just how much of an attacking weapon can be taken away when your lineout does not function.
- In the other Pool 5 game, Connacht Eagles lost 34-10 at home to Jerseys opponents next Saturday, Newport Gwent Dragons Premiership Select.
- Jersey Athletic had a blank day in the Zoo Shield after being held up at Gatwick Airport on Saturday morning due to a security operation.
