Hasbag wrote:
I wouldn't say anybody 'hates' Houghton, just hates how he is used. We signed Lovodua as a hooker and yet Houghton has still been getting flogged for 80 minutes every week. Circumstances with injuries have dictated that to an extent, bit yesterday we had both starting halves available and 3 hookers in the squad but Houghton still played 80 minutes. It just nullifies his attack cause of the amount of defensive work he has to get through. Having said all that, age is catching up with him and he's not the player opposition fans seem to think he still is.
Disagree about Connor not trying to create anything. I'd say the complete opposite. He was almost trying too hard, throwing long balls and flick passes that weren't expected by the receiving player (everybody needs to ALWAYS expect a pass when Connor has the ball).
You can’t blame houghton for the coaches choices. But those saying he’s past it are off the mark. I would certainly have him in my side and I think he’s still capable of 80 minutes- but others need to do their share. I would say looking at your side there were many others that looked more tired who’d done less by that second half.
As for Connor that trying too hard is the problem too, not level headed enough on the pitch. Instead of focusing on what he needed to do in the team he was trying to win the game himself, by whatever means. Not a team player. His ego and arrogance whilst it can win you some games with a flash of brilliance, when it comes to games where there’s an arm wrestle involved it doesn’t.
