Discovering the blueprint for Super Rugby success: How Kiss managed to get away from a one-dimensional style
Les Kiss identified the most significant change made since his arrival at the Reds to being his diverse and highly qualified assistants.
New Zealand recruit Mike Harris has been chosen to wear Quade Cooper’s Queensland No.10 jersey in Saturday night’s Super Rugby opener against arch-rivals NSW at ANZ Stadium.
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie confirmed on Wednesday morning that Harris had beaten fellow five-eighth contender Ben Lucas to the playmaking role following two strong trial displays.
Enigmatic Wallabies flyhalf Cooper will miss the first six rounds of the competition as he finalises his rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction following the injury which ended his World Cup campaign last October.
“It’s a great opportunity but I’ve just been asked to go out there and play my own game to give the team the best chance to win,” Harris said.
Reigning champions Queensland recruited Harris from North Harbour in late 2010 and the former New Zealand Under-20 representative was a revelation at inside centre last season before injuring his knee.
The 23-year-old also made his Reds debut, off the bench, against the Waratahs in round two last year, when NSW delivered a 30-6 thumping.
“It was a proud moment … but from a team perspective it was arguably our most forgettable moment of 2011,” he said.
“We’ve now got the chance to rectify the wrongs from that night.”
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.
Les Kiss identified the most significant change made since his arrival at the Reds to being his diverse and highly qualified assistants.
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