To score three tries against Leeds is no mean feat, but shipping 58 points is disappointing. To lose a try in 13 seconds straight from the kickoff was a big blow. However having several players unavailable and losing two of the starting line up through injury were significant negatives that cannot be ignored.
Several players caught the eye. David Halaifonua was tremendous in carrying the ball forward and was a real loss when he had to leave the field on the stroke of half-time. Paulos Latu never took a backward step and scored another great try to cap a very good game for him.
The front row including relative newcomer prop Kaminieli Tuvotu performed well and helped edge the scrum battle. The variations in the lineout worked well and so far this season that part of Hull’s game has improved significantly.
In the backs Harrison Astley showed good vision and some good pace for his long-range try. Scrum-half/winger James Naylor not only did well in both positions with ball in hand, but gave a master class in tackling bigger men by removing their legs from the equation.
All the team had good moments, but at this level any lapse of concentration or a missed tackle creates opportunities, and for a side like Leeds and with pace all over the field they become difficult to stop.
No one has had any success against Leeds this season so Hull are in good company, but there are sides we are yet to play where Hull can get positive results. The welcome return of those unavailable for the Leeds game and some good news from the treatment room will not go amiss.
Hull have a lot of youngsters in the squad so if they can learn from Saturday’s defeat to the league leaders and go again, it will bring rewards later this season and further ahead.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 