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For both the Reds and the Sharks the finals are out of the question, but pride is still on the line. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
The return of ‘The Godfather’ of coaching was just what the Reds needed as they steamrolled the Rebels, who before last week’s game were talked up as a potential leader of the Australian conference.
Instead the Rebels were hammered in the second half as the Reds put on an exhibition of running rugby.
James O’Connor looked to be back to his best and Reds fans got a taste of what is to come from their big signing. But the big story was Jake McIntyre, who was eased into his role and proved a find for the Reds, with Will Genia coming out this week and giving the youngster his tick of approval.
McIntyre retains his spot despite Quade Cooper being cleared of a shoulder fracture, and will again be a valuable cog for the Reds.
As for the Sharks it’s been a bit of a letdown season due to injuries and poor form. They will welcome back Willem Alberts this week who is highly rated by his coach Gary Gold.
Gold acknowledged that the game against the Reds wasn’t going to be easy.
“You look at the players in their team – Slipper, Horwill, Genia Turner, O’Connor – these are really good rugby players, highly experienced internationals, and this is a team going through a similar season to us,” said Gold.
“A couple of injuries, a couple of poor performances and they’ve found themselves on the end of a couple of bad results. But credit to them. They turned the corner last weekend against a good Rebels team and we know we’re going to have our hands full this weekend.”
Prediction
It’s hard to tip against the Reds after last week so I’m going with them.
Reds by 5.
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.