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The answer is simple: Reds are missing Braid

RugbyThinker — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:50:59 +0000

There are some interesting comments on why Queensland Reds are looking lacklustre this year. A dedicated attack coach is a step forward, as suggested by KtinHK.

But it seems straight-forward when you consider this year the Reds have no fetcher or dynamic openside. Last year Braid provided that role and was fantastic.

Reds should have moved heaven and earth to keep him.

At this moment in time young Ed Quirk is far too green and inexperienced. The backrow problem is also exacerbated by Horwill playing out of position. He is no six; too slow for modern style of game and a better balanced backrow is needed.

Genia and Cooper are struggling behind the slow ball and only started looking better against Tahs when the game opened up a little in last 10-15 minutes.

The value of a genuine and savvy openside is highlighted by Waugh, Pocock, Salvi and Lipman who are providing the goods in the other Australian franchises.

Why are the Highlanders surprising everyone this year? Flanker Adam Thomson is playing out of his skin.

McKenzie has to start looking for that genuine openside or Reds will continue to suffer from lack of turnovers, no link between backs and forwards and ultimately more slow ball.

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Article link: The answer is simple: Reds are missing Braid. Written by RugbyThinker, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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