The Komodo squad seemed to breathe new air on Saturday, it wasn't quite the burning garbage that we have become so fond of, something had changed in the roar of the Komodo. A sense of urgency perhaps, as the squad looked like a proper side for the first time in ages, or maybe it was the return of Chris Burger; whatever it was, one thing is for sure - the Komodo side looks like a serious contender going into this years Jakarta 10's. The starting 15 looked good, I mean, really good. Within minutes they were up 3 tries, 2 that were generated by fiery team effort and support to be finished off by the skipper on the wing (who decided to come off the field to analyze the rest of the teams play - not to avoid scoring a hat-trick, Tom). G did wonders at the 10 spot, creating opportunities and running wild on his own from time to time. The combination of Brownie to G was good, but when Tony came into the game our 9-10 combination with the Brown bagger outside looked incredible. It's gonna be hard picking the Komodo A squad for the 10's that's for sure.

In the forwards, the re-addition of the BurgerTron was the biggest improvement from

last week, as he continued his old 'smashing' ways; steam rolling everything and anything like a Transvaal freight train. Ed continued to show-off his skills in his ongoing yet futile attempt to play 10, although he did do a great job playing 12 when given the opportunity. Maybe some work on the speed ladder with McCarthy will get you to the promised land brother. Scott's hands have definitely improved since the start of the Series, he makes intelligent decisions on the field, and the rest of the backs benefit from his initiative. With so many tries scored it's really hard to elaborate on each of them. One, however, stood out... Brownie took the ball from a scrum on their 22 from his 9 position sucked the flanker and 10 in, faked to G, and ran the ball right through the opposing backs like a hot knife through butter. Glorious!

Skipper's Ratings:

Frano - 8 - this is more to do with heart and sportsmanship than overall performance, the big man gave his all for us by going to play for the Rams... not a bad job either.

Samurai Hooker - 7 - I remember jumping for a line out for the 1st time ever, and the ball not ending up anywhere near where it should have been. However, he played well on most other aspects of the game.

Rob - 7.5 - always gives it his all, and is great in his leadership role.

Will Davies - 8 - Despite being a drunken sailor, he still "kicked ass!", (just imagine his amazing american accent)

New Player, who's name I forget (dammit, if it were an indonesian line I'd be fine) - 8 - for being a rookie, playing well, making tackles, and remaining discreet about it.

Burger - 9.5 - Punishing running, crippling tackling, crazy talk... the man's got it all... and he's ON the field ALL the time!

Fearless - 7.5 - Always the voice... backs it up with his heart as well, runs all over the field in support of his Komodo brothers.

Brownie - 9 - He'll tell you himself how amazing he played, I don't need to say anything... that said... he's definitely someone I want on my side.

Tony - 8.5 - Great rugby player with great rugby instincts, is true scrum-half...

G - 9 - great play from the 10, who also needs to be commended on his fitness which is not lacking in spite of bad knees and brown nosing. Obviously the best man that BenLine has in Indonesia, what an amazing sponsor.

Ed - 8 - not as dramatic as his previous performances, probably because of the new wealth of talent on the Komodo side, but still provided a spark nonetheless.

Scott - 8 - great overall play from Scott who is becoming a komodo standout, well balanced player.

Dan the Beer Man - 9 - again, this has more to do with Heart and Attitude than anything else. Dan, just got over Dengue, like 2 days before, played for the Rams, and is a generally good guy.

Seb - 7.5 - I think Seb is focused more on the Jak 10's right now than anything else, but he did see some play time and played like his same reliable self.

Morita - 7.5 - scored a try in the corner got high tackled and the ref didn't even count it, he didn't even say a word... that is Zen (fearless or brownie, you could learn a thing or 2)

Tall Rob - 7 - didn't get as much playing time as he would like but was solid in his contribution.

UPDATES: Next week we play the Bantengs in the Final of the Jakarta 15's Series. This is one that the Bantengs have bee waiting for all year, and Bobby would love more than anything to pull off an upset - so we must NOT take this one for granted... 4:30 PM ISCI!!!

THURSDAY TRAINING - we have 2 training sessions left before the 10's. We need to gel as a team. I have an idea of who the top 15 men are to play in the Komodo squad but some effort in training and the game could go a long way in that decision. 7 PM JIS!!!!