A FEW home truths from coach Scott Coleman inspired a rousing second-half comeback as the Hunters Wildfires overwhelmed Western Sydney 29-12 in their Shute Shield clash at Eric Tweedale Stadium on Saturday.
Facing a 12-0 deficit at half-time, the Wildfires were in danger of opening their season with consecutive defeats, before Coleman told them in the dressing room exactly what he thought of their first 40 minutes.
His chastened players emerged with attitudes adjusted and a 47th-minute try by hooker Phil Bradford reduced their deficit to 12-7. Further tries by winger Tom Watson, No.8 Lona Haloholo and reserve Leon Fukofuka, complemented by three conversions and a penalty goal from fly-half Connor Winchester, steered the visitors to a comprehensive victory.
"We were out-enthused in the first half, and pushing the pass," Coleman said. "I just told them we had to lift our energy and go back to the basics.
"We had to hold onto the ball and play the percentages. I said if we could cut out the high-risk plays, we'd wear them down."
Asked in what manner he delivered that message, Coleman replied with a laugh: "I was pretty cranky.
"It was a good old-fashioned blow-up.
"In saying that, the players knew themselves what they were doing wrong, which was probably the most pleasing thing.
"They were saying all the right things in the sheds and staying positive. They just needed to take four deep breaths and start again."
Coleman said in the ensuing 40 minutes, his players restored "some pride in themselves".
The win may have come at a cost, however, with Bradford limping off with a calf problem.
"We're not sure if it was a massive cramp or a strain," Coleman said.
"But he's definitely under a cloud for next week."
The Wildfires' next assignment is Eastwood at No2. Sportsground on Friday.
The Woodies opened their season with a 27-21 loss to Randwick, before beating beating Eastern Suburbs 22-17 on Saturday.
"They're a good side, a really big forward pack," Coleman said.
"We play them on Good Friday, so hopefully we get a fair crowd given there's nothing else on."
In Super Rugby matches over the weekend, the Brumbies returned to the top of the ladder with a 33-12 win against Fijian Drua.
It was the 150th Super Rugby game for Brumbies prop James Slipper, who is just the 12th Australian to reach that milestone.
Melbourne Rebels had a 22-21 win over the Western Force at HBF Park in Perth on Friday.
