Ernie: not bothered, too many kids on the field, move along nothing to see here.
Fair?
That's what he's saying in public, but I reckon he'll actually be a bit worried about this.
Third season of pro football for Rufer & Ridenton and they don't sound like they're ready to step up. Patchy reports for the other young players, and a huge part of Ernie's plan has been to nurture these young kiwis into the first team. So far what success has he had? Fenton was blooded in by Ricki, Krishna had a lot of seasons of ASB under his belt, none of the rest have anywhere near stamped their mark on the first team. Not at all saying this is all Ernie's fault, but it is a big blow to his Plan A in terms of team development.
I bite.
Tam DiMairo put in a bloody good performance. Not perfect, but very good. He didn't look outcalssed at all. And he is inexperienced and will only get better. Success.
Joel Stevens also was very positive, sharp, and threatening. Success.
Oliver Sail - New Plymouth man of the match - Success. (So far, but not yet vs A League opposition).
Yes, things could have gone better last night, but it wasn't ALL bad.