Bulls disappoint McNamara

Leeds happy to let Webb go away on international duty

Last updated: 5th May 2008

steve mcnamara bradford

McNamara: Not impressed

I just wish the Test was co-ordinated better, on a better weekend. If it was a Super League weekend, no problem, but the ruling has been made now and we will carry on.

Leeds coach Brian McClennan
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Steve McNamara was far from happy with Bradford's display after they crashed to a 40-26 defeat to Leeds in Cardiff.

For the second successive year the Rhinos got the better of the Bulls at Millennium Magic, a second-half spree settling the Yorkshire derby.

At half time it was Bradford who were 10-6 ahead, only for their opponents to cross four times in the space of 14 minutes after the break to build a healthy lead.

Although the Bulls briefly threatened a comeback they never really got close, leaving McNamara to ponder where things went wrong.

Slow starts

"We are disappointed with the result and disappointed with the performance," he said.

"We started both halves slowly and paid the price. I think with about 12 minutes to go we got ourselves back with 10 points and then imploded again.

"Our kicking game was awful in the first half - we gave up too much field position.

"In the second half it was our lapses in concentration defensively that really hurt us. We fell asleep and were hit with three quick tries.

"It was still a pretty strong (Leeds) side out as far as I can see. It's not about the names on the sheet it's about how you perform."

Leeds coach Brian McClennan felt his side reaped the benefit of passing the ball during their blistering start to the second half.

Super League debutants Kallum Watkins and Eric Anselme both finished among the Rhinos' seven try scorers, while skipper Kevin Sinfield landed six goals.

Error-ridden

"In the second half we got off to a better start by passing the ball a bit more. We kicked on and we enjoyed that," he said said.

"It was bit of an error-ridden match but we are happy to get away with it.

"I don't think it was a great game but there were moments that were really good, we will savour those."

McClennan also stated that Brent Webb will be heading on international duty with the club's best wishes despite being forced to release the player.

The full-back will head Down Under to play in next weekend's Anzac Test against Australia under international rules, meaning the Rhinos will be without him for their Carnegie Challenge Cup tie at Harlequins.

Support

"Clubs have always supported international football and always will," the former Kiwi coach insisted.

"The difficulty on this one was it was a Challenge Cup tie, a knockout competition.

"I just wish the Test was co-ordinated better, on a better weekend. If it was a Super League weekend, no problem, but the ruling has been made now and we will carry on.

"He will be heading down to London and goes with our best wishes. We hope it goes well for him."