Getting sacked two games into the season may seem harsh, but Queensland Reds coach Ewen McKenzie admitted the warning signs were there ahead of Andy Friend’s sensational ACT Brumbies exit.
If only McKenzie had the same foresight regarding the early 2011 Super Rugby season trends.
While saddened by Friend’s axing, McKenzie thought something was up when he began reading about internal problems at the ACT so early in the season.
History shows Friend was given his marching orders after the Brumbies’ shock round two loss to debutants Melbourne Rebels.
Which is probably not good news for the Reds.
Still reeling from last round’s 30-6 thrashing from NSW Waratahs, Queensland must try to win for the first time in Canberra against an ACT outfit sure to come out swinging on Saturday night after their tumultuous week.
“You always worry when you see paper talk so early in the season – where there is smoke there is fire,” McKenzie said of recent reports of Brumbies rumblings.
“But I think we have all been a bit surprised that it has happened.
“I don’t know the background but the fact that it was in the paper so early wasn’t a good sign.
“And when team dynamics change like that there can be a sudden burst of enthusiasm – we know they will be galvanised as a group.
“They were going to be tough anyway – it hasn’t made it easier.”
He may have been right about Friend’s fate, but McKenzie is the first to admit his Nostradamus-like talent didn’t extend to the Reds.
The Queensland mentor put his hand up and conceded that the gameplan used to clinch fifth last year just wasn’t stacking up in 2011.
McKenzie made it clear he’s targeting improvement at the breakdown in naming his side for the ACT clash.
After being muscled off the ball last week, the Reds will give fleet-footed ball scavenger Beau Robinson a starting debut at openside breakaway in a revamped backrow in Canberra.
Boosting his plans for breakdown dominance, McKenzie has also gone with a 5-2 forward-dominated split on the bench.
“Beau deserves an opportunity. He definitely makes a difference and plays with the right spirit,” McKenzie said.
Robinson comes into the backrow with Scott Higginbotham shifting to blindside flanker and Leroy Houston at No.8 and Ed Quirk dropping to the bench.
The other change to the starting lineup sees versatile Ben Lucas replace injured fullback Peter Hynes.
McKenzie said they were no closer to knowing when Hynes would return after a recurrence of a troublesome knee injury.
“It’s back to the drawing board on the same injury and that is disappointing,” he said.
“But we will take stock, speak to the medical people and get a plan and get on with it.”
With skipper James Horwill also ruled out by injury, halfback Will Genia takes over the captaincy.
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