WYNDHAM City Rhinos have surrendered top spot on the Victorian Rugby Union second division Agrade ladder after just a week.
The Rhinos have been sluggish in their two outings since the bye and paid the price on Saturday with a 22-19 loss to a revved-up Geelong at Mossfield Reserve.
Click on the image below for our gallery of the big game.
Rhinos coaching director Darren Taylor said that a long season and all the bumps and bruises that go with it were starting to take a toll on the young team, physically and mentally.
“Their attitude just has to lift a bit more,” he said. “Our blokes didn’t bring their game.
“It’s all in their heads. We’re confident we can finish the year off in a strong manner.”
The Rhinos made some ill-advised decisions in the second half of a close encounter.
They gave up numerous penalties in dangerous positions and were made to pay.
Most of the errors at the back end of the game were through sheer “lazy” play.
“The infringements hurt us,” Taylor said.
“There can be that temptation to get the ball when it’s on the ground. You’ve got to be disciplined and release the ball and roll away.”
The Rhinos scored three tries. Kapi Wanahi was driven over the line to give the home side a 7-6 lead at half-time. Tommy Leau and Tevita Talau added tries in the second half, but it was to no avail.
Shannon Tutty was one of the Rhinos’ better players on the day with his versatility proving a vital asset. “You can put him anywhere on the park and he’ll do a job for you,” Taylor said. “He’s just keen and mean.”
The Rhinos will need to get back to their best – and fast. This competition leaves behind teams that have temporary form lapses.
Incredibly, five teams still have a chance of finishing in top spot. “There’s 15 points still up for grabs,” Taylor said. “Any one of the top five teams can finish anywhere. “We want to finish top and have the first crack at getting into the grand final.”
The Rhinos travel to Northern on Saturday for a top-two tussle.
VRU
Second division: Wyndham City 19 lt Geelong 22
