Reds player Radike Samo runs the ball during Super Rugby competition between the Queensland Reds and the Bulls from South Africa at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, April 16, 2011. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
The 30,000-plus spectators at Suncorp last night were constantly on their feet saluting the dynamic 80-minute displays of Queenslanders Will Genia, and Quade Cooper, as they combined to cut the defending Super champion Bulls down to size 39-30.
We all know how brilliant both can be, but last night they raised the performance bar to an astonishing new height. And the men-in-red reacted warmly to the Pied Pipers.
The Reds ran in six tries to three, and it was only the Bulls’ magnificent swarming defence that stopped the try-fest at half a dozen.
But the scoreline was flattering to the Bulls.
Their express winger Bjorn Basson scored a seemingly impossible try just before the break, taking the Bulls’ kick-off inside the Reds quarter on the full to touch down untouched. In over six decades watching rugby, I’ve never seen anything like it. Extraordinary.
And in the shadow of full-time with the Reds in an unassailable position leading 39-23, and switched off, Basson chip-kicked and enjoyed a perfect bounce to dot down, again untouched.
Basson was worth 14 points – a 39-16 Reds’ scoreline was more appropriate.
That gave the Reds six wins on the trot this season, to equal their record set in 1996 at Super 10 level, when Tim Horan was skipper. Last night he was in the Fox commentary box.
But this was also a record eighth successive win at Suncorp. It has become the Reds’ fortress as they await next week’s grudge-game of the tournament against arch-enemies the NSW Waratahs.
In the second round, on February 26, the men-in-blue comprehensively stitched up the Reds 30-6 at the SFS. It was one-way traffic.
The embarrassment was a wake-up call for the Reds, and they haven’t lost since – beating the Brumbies 31-25, Rebels 53-3, Cheetahs 41-8, Lions 30-25, and the previously unbeaten Stormers, at Newlands, 19-6.
The success streak has been triggered by the Genia-Cooper combination. Once they started to fire, so did the team.
In the same period, the Waratahs have been soundly thumped by the Crusaders 33-18, the lowly Cheetahs 23-3, and the Auckland Blues overnight at Eden Park 31-17.
The Blues led 31-7 at the break, scoring five tries to one, but took the pedal off the metal in the second session to allow the Waratahs to salvage some pride.
Not a lot, but some – which is a lot more than none.
We know what’s right with the Reds – Will Genia and Quade Cooper.
But what’s wrong with the Waratahs?
They can’t keep hiding behind injured skipper Phil Waugh and utility back Berrick Barnes. That argument is a cop-out, it doesn’t hold any water.
There’s no nice way to say it, but every time the Waratahs lose it’s because they played dumb, dumb, and dumber rugby.
They lose their structure, their defence patterns, their support play, and their passion to win.
And there’s nothing left in the tank.
There were two incidents last night against the Blues, to emphasise the point.
In the 52nd minute with the Blues leading 31-7 acting skipper Dean Mumm elected to shoot for a penalty goal, with the Waratahs having the momentum on attack, deep inside the Blues’ quarter.
It was not only a dumb decision, greeted by the Eden Park faithful with derision, but Kurtley Beale missed the shot, to magnify the mistake.
And with the last play of the game the Waratahs needed a length of the field try to pick up a bonus point for four tries and to finish within seven points, for another bonus point. Those two bonus points can be vital down the track.
So what did replacement half Brendan McKibbin do? Grubber kicked, instead of running the ball, which ended up in touch. Full time, chance blown.
Another dumb entry into the Waratahs’ burgeoning book of learning the basics.
It’s those basics, along with missing pride and passion, that the Waratahs must take to Suncorp next Saturday night. It will be a game they have to win, at all costs, to stay in contention.
Which means the Waratahs had better leave their dumb rugby element in the Eden Park shed, or cop a mother-and-father of a cricket score hiding from the Reds.
Spencer
Guest
Marissa - The REDS did smash the Bulls. If you dont think so then I am afraid we cant be friends ;) However the Reds didnt smash the scoreboard - Quade took pity on it, and missed about 59 kicks at goal.
Bayboy
Guest
Thats exactly it Jerry
Bayboy
Guest
Last time I checked Marissa was / is South African
PeterK
Roar Guru
sure people can be fickle, or change their minds, or be proven wrong, no issue. But when I make a call like that and get it so wrong I freely admit my mistake and am ready to eat humble pie. Just like to see people own up to dumping on McKenzie, unless they are holding their powder if Reds dont win the title.
Spencer
Guest
PK - people can be fickle - even you occasionally :) . The REDS have developed a learning culture, and Ewen has also "learnt to learn". He freely admittted after the Tahs match that he had got it wrong. That is the most impressive part of the Reds program and develoment. They have the ability to adapt!
PeterK
Roar Guru
Where are the Reds supporters who wanted to give credit to Mooney rather than McKenzie, and even get rid of Mckenzie after the loss to the Tahs. How things change, but I dont read anyone serving up humble pie on McKenzies ability as a coach.
Spencer
Guest
You may also want to refer to the 2010 Annual Report. QRU and the REDS organization is obvioulsy on the up, and most definitly not a "one man band". http://www.qru.com.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=dZbvitZwMf0%3D&tabid=635
Spencer
Guest
Jason - do you know about the inner workings of the Reds: Jim Carmichael, Dan Herbert, Rod McCall, Tim Horan, Dan Crowley etc? You are aware that they had a clean out and restructure 2 years ago, which lead directly to the appointment of McKenzie. I think Ewen has done a great job getting the current squad aligned, motivated, fit and skilled (both mentally and physically). We should also recognize the good work by Phil Mooney. Horan, Herbert and Crowley are doing excellent work on development, retention, and recruitment. I am guessing from your remarks that you are reading from an old hymn sheet. Queensland Rugby was a powerhouse before...normal transmission has resumed. It is interesting to read comments from the "poison dwarf" (Eddie Jones), about Queensland Rugby. http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-3855-p-2.html
Jason
Guest
Don't get used to the Reds winning. They are a great playing group and really decent human beings. the coaching staff lead by Ewen McKenzie are way out in front of the pack. So let me pose this question: Will Ewen Mckenzie be next Wallabies coach? What then? It is a forgone conclusion, the job is his if he wants it. The problem with the REDS is the front office. Please, I have seen better administration in my daughters kindergarten. Of course this is just my personal opinion, time will tell.
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
Hi Spencer, As you have rightly written - a very good logical presentation. And really that is where the complete discussion on this article should have stopped. But is i\a Blog and we have to put up with the "One eyed BS" that is delivered from both fanatical and one-eyed Kiwi and Aussie supporters. Simple logic on discussion - give credit where credit is due, congratulate and state but do not over hype the expectations. At times the discussion goes overboard.
jameswm
Guest
You've never noticed the difference Jerry? How the Brumbies used to run it one side to the other, except against NSW when it was an arm wrestle? Or the scrappiness and intensity if a NSW Qld match? The conference system has them playing each other more, which has placed less pressue on each derby and freed up the games. But they certainly used to be dour affairs.
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
Moaman - as said above - there is no logixc in all of the above. Because: Rugby Supporters Worldwide - PLEASE NOTE: What do you get when you get a Fanatical KIWI Rugby Supporter (who has no reasoning) in a discussion with an AUSSIE Rugby Supporter (who has no reasoning apart from colour)? Absolute BS and no logic with no Rugby Nous. Bye for now
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
Maybe a bit strong - but he is not up to his normal - and I am sick and tired of Aussie Pigs seagulling rather than contesting the breakdown. Far to many do not do the hard yards
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
Moaman, Now we are awake in Bishkek - mate - yes we could have but then I would have had to read some of the continuing BS and sniping that is happening. The logic is up there with "the fairies are coming". At times it is best to switch off. The Reds are currently No. 1, the Crusaders are No. 1 (equal), the Stormers are No. 3 and the Blues are No.4. Now as any Rugby pundit knows - "They have to put in and keep winning to Stay There". But the hype is over the top. And the sniping of "have not played top teams" - what were the Stormers? And yes the Reds were flogged by the Waratahs? But the Crusaders were beaten last year - early. So judging game by game and making predictions is - a long bow as is making the statement about "no TOP TEAM YET" They are all contenders - AND - I do get pissed off with both sides of the argument - of hype and the No top team. Having put up with the Reds for the way they were for years - and NOW - I am happy. Can they win a Super Title - YES - but it will be hard and they will have to be on song. But can someone realy tell me - WHAT MAKES A TOP TEAM IN SUPER RUGBY. I thought that they all started equal at the start of each year - and then there were rankings of who are the favourites? Top means nothing until the COMPETITION IS OVER - IRRESPECTIVE OF PAST YEARS? Ash the Waratahs, Ask the Blues, Ask the Sharks - over the years - gone nowhere - in some years. Cheers
PeterK
Roar Guru
hahaha the pot calling the kettle black
Go_the_Wannabe's
Guest
"all the co-ordination of ants in a landslide".......Gold. Right up there with he kicked that ball "like a butterfly with sore feet".
Jerry
Guest
It's not the Reds fault, and it's not even really a criticism of them - it's a warning not to get carried away with the plaudits just yet. As an example, one of the commentators reckoned the Bulls played well enough on the weekend to have beaten the other 13 sides in the competition - basically they're saying that the Reds are that much better than everyone else, they can put 6 tries on the next best competition. Which is absurd, given the Bulls record this year. It's not to say the Reds aren't capable of being world beaters, just they haven't proven that they are at that level yet. They've proved they can beat the bottom half of the table, now they gotta prove they can take it to the next level.
Spencer
Guest
"The Table is not a ranking tool as such but an indicator of how teams are travelling"...that is pure nonsense. Bayboy - the problem with you is that you are so one-eyed that you manipulate stats to support your biased view. ...."As it stands the Reds have lost one game as have the Stormers, Blues and Crusaders, The Blues drew with the Force in Perth whilst the Reds barely got passed them in Brisbane then got pumped by the Tahs who the Blues dealt to with ease on Saturday night at Eden park." Jiggles provided a reasonable and balanced perspective...."If they drop matches against the Crusaders & the Blues, then fair enough they don’t deserve to be there, if the crusaders or blues do not drop any matches either. By the way last year the reds beat the teams who finished 1, 2 & 4 on the table but I don’t think anyone would suggest were the best team in the comp." Your replies (as usual) are inane and partial. In my opinion the Reds are developing well as a squad. They have so far this season played a mixture or poor (Tahs), limited (Brumbies), mature (Stormers), and expansive (Bulls) rugby. It is right for Reds people to be excited and optimistic about their team and their prospects. Furthermore, if you take a 2 year view of the Reds development it is even more impressive, because this year they have learnt to win even when they play below par (Lions & Brumbies), and against lower opposition (Rebels & Force). In 2010 they won the tough matches (Crusers, Bulls & Stormers), and lost against much lower ranked teams. They also failed to win some close matches (Tahs and Sharks). In 2011 we can see the talent and teamwork develop further, and more importantly the maturity to win the tight matches. The Reds have reasonable record against teams from "the shaky isles" last year. Dont think there is any fear there. I watched the Reds V Stormers and Reds V Bulls match with South African and New Zealand friends. Like you they were also impressed. As you yourself said “The Reds were impressive". Probably best if you finished on that note.
Bayboy
Guest
Jiggles this is where your theory goes a little astray, So the Reds may have finished beating three of the teams in the top four last year however they (Reds) were not the best team in the competition they fell away when it counted. The Table is not a ranking tool as such but an indicator of how teams are traveling. Reality is each team has so far played differing opposition and therefore the table can only accommodate wins and loses. It can not however tell you that certain teams have played stiffer opponents as to that of their counterparts case in point Reds & Stormers have faced weaker opposition to date than that of the Blues Crusaders As it stands the Reds have lost one game as have the Stormers, Blues and Crusaders, The Blues drew with the Force in Perth whilst the Reds barely got passed them in Brisbane then got pumped by the Tahs who the Blues dealt to with ease on Saturday night at Eden park. There is more to it than a mid season table and the Reds are by no means the Stand out team of this competition that in my opinion sits firmly with the Crusaders who lets not forget have a draw only due to circumstances surrounding the devastating earthquake. Any rugby fan with their worth in salt knows that the Crusaders were a 99.9% chance to take it to the Canes. Even yet with the draw they are still on the same total of points as the reds. The Blues again with a draw yet ae only lagging behind the Reds by one point how do you explain that? The Reds are running along quite nicely but are yet to play any teams from the Shakey Isles, maybe when this occurs we will be able to start beating from your drum as well
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Again that’s a scheduling issue and out of the Reds hands, they can only beat whoever is in front of them. As it stands they are on top of the table with the Crusaders and are 1 of only 2 teams (again with the crusaders) who have played consistent rugby to deserve the spot. If they drop matches against the Crusaders & the Blues, then fair enough they don’t deserve to be there if the crusaders or blues do not drop any matches either. By the way last year the reds beat the teams who finished 1, 2 & 4 on the table but I don’t think anyone would suggest were the best team in the comp. The idea of the points table is to rank the teams on consistently winning games, regardless of who they verse.