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In the last two years, Richard Graham’s Reds have failed miserably. In stark contrast, Nick Stiles won back-to-back NRCs and the Horan-Little Shield with 14 straight wins.
Queensland is on top of southern hemisphere rugby geographically. She produces 50 per cent of Australian rugby players. But we deliver the shocking results. Why?
Stiles wins tournaments despite his inexperience. His only overseas stint is as forwards coach for a mid-table team in Japan. Graham on the other hand, as assistant coach, reached finals in six of the eight years in UK. He assisted Ewen McKenzie during his last year in Queensland, when they reached finals.
Between these two stints were stinks. When he was skills coach for Robbie Dean, the Wallabies enjoyed little success, including a shock loss against Scotland and drubbings by the All Blacks. This is complimented by a three-year stint at a low-ranking Western Force.
Since the Reds management placed Graham in charge of the Reds, Queensland and Queenslanders have been totally humiliated. I can only imagine how the Reds, their administration, coaching staff and players feel.
From what I notice, Graham has been too tricky for his own good. He is not alone. He, along with the management, believe they have reached a similar status as the ‘golden era’ Crusaders, where they can deliver whatever game style they decide.
For example, in 2013 the Reds’ breakdown was targeted. This was demonstrated in their home qualifying final hammering by the Sharks.
In 2014, they then decided to challenge the break down more sternly. It was a mess. They were hammered. In 2015, they brought in four play-makers and decided to play an open game. It was mess. They were hammered.
The Reds defence was the best in history, but has since turned foul under Graham’s leadership. The worst humiliation was the eight-try 57-point rout by the Crusaders in May last year. Hammered.
By trying to be too tricky, the Reds have lost some of the fundamentals. This is in stark contrast with the best teams in Australia. Both the Waratahs and the Brumbies have a straight forward approach to the game: punish through the forwards, and let the halves strike when opportunities arise.
Comparatively, the Tahs and Ponies play ‘dumb rugby’. This wins games. Just like Nick Stiles.
By chasing the championship and trying to leave a winning legacy, the Reds have lost a fundamental tenet: the Queensland underdog mentality.
A sign of hope is continued set piece leadership via Nick Stiles. An excellent move are the upgraded lock stocks, continued front row depth, and Liam Gill’s tremendous form and heart.
Matt O’Connor has joined the Reds coaching team from Leinster, where as head coach he had won the Pro12 championship and reached the Championship cup semi-finals.
The backrow, specifically the blindside flanker and eightman, remains a question mark. Who is going to rumble against Ita Vaea and Scott Fardy? Who is going to mix it with guys like Kieran Read and the Ioane brothers?
Queensland have the stock to easily make finals. In theory. But to date, the people running the Reds do not have the answers to the big questions.
When will we beat the Waratahs again? When can we earn the Brumbies’ respect? When will we avenge the Crusaders humiliation? When can we show the Sharks what Queenslanders are really made of? When will Graham and the management stop this embarrassment? Is it 2016?
Without key changes, I just cannot see it. February 27 in Sydney may be a different picture, but I am not putting any money on it.
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.