FOOTSCRAY overcame a lengthy injury list and a form dip to win 23-20 against Power House in the Victorian Rugby Union at Lakeside Drive on Saturday.
The Bulldogs had been the in-form side of the Premier 1 competition riding a five-game win streak, but it came to a shuddering halt against the Moorabbin Rams seven days earlier.
Bulldogs coach Junior Naufahu read the riot act after watching his side produce some flimsy defence against the Rams and his players responded with greater determination in a physical affair with Power House.
“During the week, ‘Junes’ [Naufahu] had some stern words with a few players,” Bulldogs captain Allan Imo told the Weekly. “Our boys were a bit disappointed and wanted to make amends this week.
“It was about defence and just the decision-making of the players.
“There were some changes made and it was a bit of a wake-up call to the rest of the team that their positions aren’t as secure as they thought they were.”
Top of the to-do list for the Bulldogs was muscling up in the forward pack. They were left red-faced a game prior as they were steamrolled in that department.
Hooker Siosiua Ngauamo, lock Isaac Lilo and flanker Melbourne Lesa made sure the Power House tacklers felt their runs.
The Bulldogs were also much better defensively.
Their x-factor came in the form of lock Perenise Nikolao, who crossed for two tries and did it in an eyecatching fashion.
“He stood out with a few solo efforts,” Imo said.
“He still had a bit of work to do with his tries.
“He showed a bit of pace and a bit of strength.”
Keisuke Yamada put the finishing touches on the Bulldogs win.
The Japan-born scrum half had the golden boot with two conversions and three penalty goals.
Yamada, who is studying in Melbourne, is highly rated at the kennel.
“We haven’t seen a player of Keisuke’s calibre in that position in years down at Footscray,” Imo said.
The Bulldogs, fourth on the ladder, host top side Harlequin in a showdown at Henry Turner Reserve on Saturday.
