A feature of the game yesterday was it was that quiet you could hear the stuff the players came out with ... most notable Richard Owen's rather loud swear word instruction in the second half .... which raised an 'oooh!'
Was watching Mariano and Tali at some of the restarts.
Mariano is a talker, Tali not so much.
Mariano standing up on the left near the halfway line, Tali too far back on left nearer is own try line.
Mariano ...'Jason move up.'
Tali ... nothing and no response.
The ball hoisted in Tali's direction. Because he has that gap to make up he rushes and spills the ball forward off his chest.
Wales' ball.
Next restart ...
Mariano ...'Jason move up.'
Tali ... no response ... gap still there.
Ball hoisted into the same gap again.
Mariano concerned this time to cover for Tali's not talking to him attempts to get the ball himself. Tali also sets off.
I am expecting the mother and father of a collision and Tali just gathers the ball ahead of the rushing and calling Mariano.
Next restart .....
Mariano ...'Jason move up.'
Tali no response again ... the gap remains.
The kicker this time grubbers his kick and perfectly bisects Mariano and Tali.
Wales' ball.
Two out if three losses and nearly a hatrick.
Now if I was Mariano ....