League: Starch in defence still lacking

Sam Tomkins feels the brunt of the Sharks' aggression at Mt Smart on Saturday as the Warriors went down 18-14. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors paid the price for failing to convert their possession into points but yet again questions will be raised about their defence in the loss to the Sharks on Saturday.

Chad Townsend said during the week the Warriors had to improve their defence after poor showings against the Roosters and Manly. Despite the warnings, they let a 10-0 lead slip and Kiwi prop Sam Tagatese broke through the middle with ease in the 45th minute before quick hands to the right allowed Valentine Holmes to dive over in the corner.

Jacob Lillyman described that moment as the game's turning point because he said it "hurt" the Warriors.

Holmes scored a second with a brilliant chip and chase kick and Ricky Leutele won the game with his try in the 70th minute. The Warriors' edges were exposed and the Sharks struck at crucial moments to win their seventh game from eight.

Lillyman said: "There was a couple of soft tries there which in the end was telling and it contributed to our loss.

"It was really disappointing to let a couple of those tries in. We really aimed up in defence. Our line speed and our contact was really good.

"It was a really good first half but we let them off the hook a couple of times but we need to build on that.

"It was definitely a marked improvement on last week and now Tui [Lolohea] and Chad [Townsend] can have more time together before next week."

Coach Andrew McFadden said there was a lot to like about the Warriors' efforts but the defeat leaves them perilously close to dropping out of the top eight.

"We had lots of energy and it looked a lot different this week. It's going to come down to a few moments," he said. "It always hurts when you lose and obviously it's an important time of the year. We want to keep in the eight but we'll draw on some of the positives in our game.

"It was always going to be disjointed with some of the changes we had -- and I can accept that -- but we're going to have to be better defensively. Ultimately, that let them back in the game."