WYNDHAM City Rhinos are yet to find their tusks in the Victoria Rugby Union second division.
The Rhinos have started the new season with a blunt attack and a pair of losses.
They were held scoreless in a miserable season-opening loss to Melbourne and managed just two tries in an improved showing against Geelong at Mossfiel Reserve on Saturday.
Rhinos director of coaching Darren Taylor told the Weekly a number of factors had contributed to the rough start, but he declined to go into the finer details.
“It’s a bit of everything. It’s just a couple of inner-house things that we have to clean up. Once we have them cleaned up we can really start our season.”
The Rhinos were up to their eyeballs in the contest against Geelong until midway through the second half. They held a 14-12 advantage but constantly let the visitors off the hook with ill-discipline leading to penalties.
That was a big no-no – the Geelong penalty taker was spot on with his shots at goal all game.
“The final scoreline doesn’t reflect on the game itself,” Taylor said. “There were just some silly penalties and they had a sharp-shooting kick who could kick them from anywhere.”
Young winger Tipene Pihere scored the first try of the game. The speedy Rhino touched down in the corner for what was his first senior try.
Pihere showed his full repertoire over the 80minutes to suggest he will be a key member for the Rhinos this season.
“He brings a lot to the table,” Taylor said.
“He’s pretty quick and he’s got a good kicking game.
“He’s only young but he’s been in the club a number of years and he’s come through the ranks. He’s been there since he was about 10 or 12 years old.”
The Rhinos went to the dressing sheds at half-time without the lead after two late tries to Geelong.
The message from coach Lloyd Rohe was to pay closer attention to the game plan and it paid dividends when number eight Willy Latuhoi wrestled back a 14-12 lead for the hosts.
That was where the joy ended for the Rhinos with a litter of penalties gifting Geelong easy points and it eventually ran away with the game.
“It was a disappointing result,” Taylor said. “It’s only early in the year.
“You never put your best on the field at the start so we’ll build it up over the next few weeks.”
The Rhinos visit in-form Northern on Saturday.
VRU SCOREBOARD
Second division: Wyndham City 12 Geelong 30.
