Ewen McKenzie has stressed the Queensland Reds are “not even close” to their best despite three straight wins and has demanded better finishing to be leading Super Rugby contenders.
The Reds might have beaten NSW, the Hurricanes and Melbourne Rebels on the trot but have consistently missed or messed up try-scoring chances which have denied them bonus points.
Coaching boss McKenzie on Thursday made three expected changes to his backline for Saturday night’s home clash with the Western Force, and their attack will be bolstered by the return of halfback general Will Genia from a knee reconstruction.
But Queensland will be without in-form strike weapon Digby Ioane (stood down) and fellow Wallabies winger Dom Shipperley (back) at Suncorp Stadium.
The dual blow has opened the door for Chris Feauai-Sautia and one-Test flyer Luke Morahan, who will make his first start of the year after being dumped from the 22 for the 23-13 win over the Rebels.
Although Ioane will be sorely missed, Morahan’s return could be good timing for a player rated highly by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
The 22-year-old’s speed immediately makes Quade Cooper’s wide passing game more dangerous.
“Luke is one of the best in sniffing out tries,” McKenzie said. “He’s always there getting the last pass and is good at reading those opportunities.”
While their defence has earned rave reviews, Queensland have shot themselves in the foot with poor finishing – highlighted by Jono Lance and Saia Faingaa botching tries against the Rebels.
“We’re always chasing our best and we’re not even close at the moment,” McKenzie said.
“There was an easy two tries we didn’t take against the Rebels and, with a bit more vision, we could have got another two.
“That will come with some cohesion. I always say you build your attack and we’re still building that.”
Morahan believes Genia’s return, limited to the first 40 minutes, will automatically lift the Reds’ attack.
“It gives us a lot of confidence,” he said. “He’s a world-class player and he runs our attack really well so him coming in will do wonders for us.”
Young halfback Nick Frisby has beaten Ben Lucas to a spot on the bench and will play the second half following a timely career-best match against the Rebels.
Queensland suffered a late blow when reserve forward Radike Samo injured his knee at training, forcing a recall for veteran lock Adam Wallace-Harrison who had initially been dropped from the bench in anticipation of a fierce breakdown contest.
Bakkies
Guest
Colby has had a few injuries. It was neck and neck between him and Hooper for the starting 7 spot last season. Hooper won it mainly due to the fact that he was fully fit. The Force are doing ok for backrowers so no point in Colby going there. Pocock gets too many injuries and Smith won't always be around for an SOS so Colby will get matches eventually.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
I'd be ditching the pair of them. There is far better talent in the side. In fact the side that should be chasing the Fainga'as is the Force. Colby can't get a game at the Brumbies and Saia and Anthony will soon find it hard to keep out more talented players (like Hansen and Feauai-Sautia) and will be relegated to the bench which will see their contract value drop. By all reports all three are great team men and the Force need that.
Bakkies
Guest
That highly rated to keep superior players like James Hanson and CFS out of the starting side? The problem with the twins wherever they go they expect to be in the same squad.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Take a look at the team that beat France in 1999... Your comment may surprise you.
Handles
Guest
The Faingaas are very highly rated by the Queensland staff, so I am not usre they will be going anwyhere. Anthony and Saia are incredible on-field and off-field leaders, and are heart and soul material for Qld.
Mick
Guest
Surely AAC will be Wallabies 13, and 12 is still very open? Jeez I hope Taps is Wallabies 12. It's good to see Cheika persisting with AAC at 13 - I hope he plays every single minute there this season.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Put your red pen through all 4 teams that played tonight. Woeful the lot of them.
Malo
Guest
NSW rugby the place where the other provinces get so many players from and hence exist and where Wallabies squad is based around. Weak NSW rugby = weak wallabies
BetterRedThanDead
Guest
Touche. NSW rugby - the place where hope goes to die
BetterRedThanDead
Guest
Not weak. Just lack ticker.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I am just stirring mate. All good.
formeropenside
Guest
What, and completely destroy his confidence?
Jiggles
Roar Guru
The coach is a Victorian anyway.
Shop
Guest
Why not send him to the Tahs?
formeropenside
Guest
No, the coach has proved himself, and if Beau wishes to stay, there is not another back up 7 candidate. They both saw the light in any event and left NSW. Daley may have been born in NSW, but the Duke of Wellington was born in Ireland. Daley is however a Queensland schoolboy and is a Queenslander. The Faingaa twins may head overseas next year, but have given sterling service to Queensland. I know you are taking the mickey, but I cant help it if NSWmen are weak.
jeznez
Roar Guru
You'll want to lose the coach, Robinson, the Faingaa's and Daley as well won't you FOS? The first two weren't born in NSW but they played for them plenty which I'm assuming tars them (or is that Tahs them?) in your eyes.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I don't think he is fairly big at all. I think he is pretty slight. When he started the other night, I thought maybe all I read about might be on show, but he seemed all of a cross between scared and timid. Everytime he got the ball in space, he immediately looked for someone to pass to. It was instant. I don't think he ran it once all night did he?
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Well I wonder why Mckenzie is trying him further then, given his wonderful eye for talent.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Injured.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Regarding Toua, I wonder what the powers to be really see in this guy I have watched him for a fair while now and I really can't get enthused by any of his performances. He must be a really nice guy and he probably trains very well but when given the opportunity he just doesn't grab it. He has all the ingredients to be a top player in that he is fairly big and fast etc but he just hasn't taken his opportunities. I shuddered the other day when Link started him at full back, I thought that the Reds would be quite vulnerable there, we were lucky that more tries were not scored against us in that game. It's a cut throat business being a pro rugby player and if Toua doesn't perform soon he might see the boat sailing bye. It a bit sad but there are lots of young players who are knocking on the door to get chance at being a Red. They may get the opportunity that Toua seems to not be taking.