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A glance around the dressing room after the Queensland Reds’ 35-22 Super 14 loss to the Blues told coach Phil Mooney just how far his Super 14 team had come in a year.
Last season the Reds were the laughing stock of the competition, registering just two wins and capping a maiden wooden spoon season with a record 92-3 loss to the Bulls.
In 2008 Queensland may have missed out on the finals again but the long faces in the Reds change rooms after yet another loss were surprisingly an encouraging sign for Mooney.
“Sitting in the dressing room they were extremely disappointed, knew that it was a game they should have won and felt that they didn’t really do themselves justice – 12 months ago I am not sure there was the same feeling,” Mooney said.
The Reds were kicking themselves after reeling in a 20-7 halftime deficit to lead 22-20 thanks to a flying Peter Hynes 60th minute try, only to drop their guard when they should have been going for the jugular.
The Blues made an error-riddled Reds pay, piling on the next 15 points to secure a bonus point win that kept their finals hopes alive.
Last year the Reds would have walked away with their tails between their legs.
Last night all Queensland could do was rue the one that got away.
While there are signs of improvement, Mooney wasn’t kidding himself.
Just how far they have come since the dark days of 2007 will be for all to see against their next round opponents – ladder leaders the Crusaders.
“There’s a realisation now that you have to be on your game every week, that’s something that we have to get our heads around in about eight days I reckon otherwise we will be sitting here talking about how rampant the Crusaders were,” Mooney said.
“We are playing the team next week that is the ultimate in the competition of exposing any failings in your game – we are going to have to work very hard.”
Reds skipper James Horwill said motivation wouldn’t be a problem against the Crusaders.
“We all know we can play better than that, that’s the big thing, that’s something the guys need to believe in,” he said of the Blues game.
“We’ve got the next Wallabies coach (Robbie Deans) coming and watching – if that isn’t motivation enough I don’t know what is.”
The Reds are expected to welcome back injured veterans Sam Cordingley, John Roe and Chris Latham next week.
And the Reds will monitor Berrick Barnes who bravely soldiered on after suffering a rib injury in the first half.
Meanwhile, Mooney’s good friend and Blues coach David Nucifora was all smiles despite the ugly win.
“We played better last week (against the Crusaders) and lost – I am happy to play not so well and win,” said Nucifora who announced before the match that 2008 would be his last at the Auckland team.
“At this time of year you just want to get the points that you need and dust off for next week.”
The Blues need to secure bonus point wins in their last two games to keep their finals hopes alive.
Captain Troy Flavell is battling a hamstring injury.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.