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The Reds’ humiliating 57-29 loss to the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday has exacerbated their horrific 2014 Super Rugby season.
When Reds skipper James Horwill was asked “what’s going wrong?” after the match, all he could put it down to was “soft moments”.
I believe that the Reds’ woes this season can be attributed to a number of things, specifically the poor form of Quade Cooper.
Since the Reds’ resurgence as a dominant Super Rugby force in 2010, Cooper has been the linchpin of their success. His combination with Will Genia created an exciting brand of running rugby that ultimately led to their Super Rugby title in 2011.
The best aspect of his style of play was his ability to take the ball to the line, attract defenders, and put his teammates into space.
Cooper is now lacking that attacking flair to his game. He is moving more laterally than direct, the organisation of his players isn’t what it was, and he is constantly attempting the ‘miracle plays’ in the wrong place at the wrong time, hindering the Reds’ ability to compile points and play competitive rugby.
Although this is something that he has been known for, in past seasons Cooper has managed to find a perfect balance between the flamboyant and the essential plays.
Some may say that it is outrageous to suggest that one man affects the form of an entire team, and I certainly agree with that. But a player as influential as Quade Cooper has been for the Reds, and in such a pivotal role as five-eighth, in this instance has impacted negatively on the team as a whole.
Not to mention the many other contributing factors to the Reds’ failures this season, including their injury issues and the many question marks surrounding coach Richard Graham.
It has been extremely hard for the Reds to get good go-forward ball without Cooper playing his old style of rugby, where it seems as if the Reds are constantly on the back foot.
This has led to reccurring errors that have often resulted in the Reds leaking points.
If Cooper can return to his old style of attacking the gain line, I believe that the Reds can play that exciting style of running rugby and can become a formidable team in Super Rugby again.
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.