Post by knownotmuch on Dec 9, 2008 9:54:58 GMT 12
Dec 8, 2008 10:55:22 GMT 12 @basil said:
Just a quick recap from memory, without having analysed the video... 
Peter Locke was on fire in the running role for the Steelers, but was taken care of by Welly. Rob Mason also ran well under the radar. Gareth Edwards was gutsy as for a new driver, took many hits and kept trucking when he was the last car going in the final - could be an asset with more experience. Ron Tye blocked well.
I thought Brett Lloyd and Bevan Humphrey were gutsy for the Pumas. Humphrey was running well, but his front wheels seemed to be damaged easily, even then still put in some hits. Lloyd put in some good hits also. Wilson blocked ok.
Not to trivialise the effort the rest of the drivers put in to their teams performance, but I thought those mentioned above stood out.
However, blockers from both teams seem to get hung up battling with opposition blockers. All they really need to do is protect their own runners more, and concentrate their attention on the other teams runners, not so much on wasting a car that is several laps down.
Tye seems to be the best example of a classic blocker round here at the moment. But the Young Guns and Panthers, two of the most successful teams of recent times, seem to have no designated blockers.
So is a straight-out blocker still needed, if they cant run also?
I think for a straight-out blocker to be included now days needs to be a "classic". KP for the Warriors is the best example. I would include Ron Tye for that reason.
But your early comment that your glad you're not the one that has make these decisions was spot on. Only a Pumas victory at the NZ teams will be good enough for the Palmy supports. But any less and the selectors, no matter who the go with, will cop the flack.
Is Gary Parkes managing the Pumas this season?
