Match Result Not the most interesting of games and the Highlanders did just enough to record their first win of the 2015 season. They started the game well and Banks was able to hit the scoreboard early for them.
O’Connor and Genia started clicking and at times it looked like the Reds were going to roll over the Highlanders but it didn’t eventuate as errors took hold late in the first half. Schatz scored the first for the game early in the second half from a scrum, but it was the Highlanders who had the final laugh through winger Naholo.
Not the greatest spectacle and there are injury doubts over Kerevi who didn’t return from the sheds after half time. Again referee interpretations will be interesting to dissect as each week there appears to be a different interpretations of the rules.
But in the wash-up it’s the Highlanders 20 defeating the Reds 13.
Match Preview
The Reds will look to continue last week’s winning form when they travel across the Tasman to face the Highlanders, who are keen to atone for a loss to the Crusaders. Join us for live scores and commentary from 5:20pm (AEDT).
Cyclone Marcia swept through Queensland last week but the Reds showed great composure in the wet to roll the Western Force.
In a dark week for the Reds it was their leaders who showed up – in particular Adam Thomson, who was terrific in his first game for his new club.
This week Thomson is expecting a ‘welcoming party’ facing his old club, where he had a decorated career and sits second on their all-time try-scoring list with 21.
Against the Force Thomson and Gill were terrific in the backrow and the Reds’ scrum was dominant, so dominant that they were able to get a tighthead win and then roll the Force for a penalty try. A bit-part backline, which included Nick Frisby, were superb and simple. Samu Kerevi hits the line hard and Chris Kuridrani was also able to find plenty of space.
This game should be a good attacking battle. Malakai Fekitoa is fast becoming one of the most dangerous centres in the game and he showed it with another try last week. Ben Smith is a world-class performer and Aaron Smith is another All Black who is able to poke holes in an opponent’s defence.
The Highlanders fell to the Crusaders last week but were able to pick up a losing bonus point right on the buzzer courtesy of the boot of Lima Sopoaga.
One thing the Highlanders can’t afford to do is allow the Reds to get a head start like they allowed the Crusaders last week. They were down 13 at halftime and the margin was just a bridge too far.
The last time the Reds played the Highlanders in New Zealand the match was a thriller, with the Reds winning the game 34-33. This should be another tight one – the last six clashes between these sides were decided by seven points or less. The Reds hold the wood over the Highlanders, winning the last four clashes between the two sides in the longest winning streak in history between the two franchises.
Prediction
I’m going with the home-town factor, the Highlanders have plenty of attacking prowess to take out the Reds.
Highlanders by 6.
RobC
Roar Guru
I wonder if he carries a large bag to clean up his litter, afterward. And if he recycles it. Maybe he has a farm in Mt Tamborine.
RobC
Roar Guru
gel, I thought I was clear. Watch the Highlanders play: - Spread the point of attack in the mid-channels - Generate linebreaks, metres then quick recycle - Use pods to power though and backpeddle the defenders. - The Reds game plan was exactly the same. The Highlanders D is a bit different: - Highlanders prefer to rush phase 1 play (which create opportunities for the Reds), - but they sit back / blanket when the Reds are on the front foot. Reds D is more conservative, using blanket D as primary approach. - This allows them to smother the defence and go for TOs (thats why Gill and Thompson gets TOs) - But they need to win D collisions more - I thought wasn't too bad. Not as bad as Reds pack effort in attack The primary reason Reds kicks it ahead: their forwards are not doing the job, after the midfield breaks occur. If you're looking for miracle breaks by the backs whilst on the backfoot: - then you can look at QC and WGs efforts last year - which lead to 30/70 plays, and soft TOs in high-traffic lanes - Meaning lanes riddled with opponents - Opponents counter attacks, then score blows out against the Reds
gel
Guest
So you don't know what it is either.
RobC
Roar Guru
oops that comment above re locks was for Don. Agree with you Combesy. I think its fixable. Its also fitness and attitude. To get the numbers need for that structure: - the Reds need to get off the deck much faster, like its a hot oven! - Often they treat the deck like its Scarlett Johansson! Needs to treat the deck like this: http://th00.deviantart.net/fs17/PRE/f/2007/211/e/c/Red_Hot_Coiled_Stove_Burner_4_by_FantasyStock.jpg And lot lie all over it thinking the field is this: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTmj8qfxXYk/Ul7eEdEYfWI/AAAAAAAAF4w/K4m5EysjYqo/s1600/scarlett-johansson-hot-hd-sexy-wallpaper.jpg
RobC
Roar Guru
RobC
Roar Guru
Cheetahs Scrum! Charlie F again. Legs man...
RobC
Roar Guru
not sure about that, Don. FR, if you knock out Slips and Daley, you still have an excellent prop LHP in Pettowa P. Similar for THP. Similar for backrow. But the drop between Simmons Kev and the others far too steep. Also, Kevs leg drive hasnt been what it used to be. He scrums low and powerful. But loose scrums, not as.
RobC
Roar Guru
re game plan. It was explained the JOC interview. The right one imo. It was identical to the Landers. It was matter of who could deliver it better. Reds issue rusty execution. Reds first 20' was in pole position to score points. But soft redzone TOs, dropped points. Reds 2nd half, again soft TOs through touch finder fubars or soft forwards early phase runs. A better oiled Reds could have won that. Highlanders reserves the difference, winning collisions. And rush D. A few were calling it offside. Will need to see it again. Lineout TO also critical to sucking out Reds traditional attack options.
connor33
Guest
The try by Schatz was an interesting one. The first time I saw it, I nearly thought it was a deliberate fake by Genia -- sucking in the Smith and other Highlanders -- leaving Schatz to score. The second time I saw it, I realized it was a stuff up. But I wonder whether it could ever become a trick play, but it can only work if the halfback quickly feigns to pick up the ball and runs backwards giving the No. 8 space for the No. 8.
Combesy
Roar Guru
Yep agree. Seem to let the you guys away with attacking the ruck but not us (can't count how many times I heard leave it 6) but pinged you for things in attack and scrum time. Very strange night with the whistle, but definitely agree it went both ways
Combesy
Roar Guru
Agree rob. I think the phase play come downs to two things. Structure and fluency. First they aren't setting up with enough forward pods with backs setting up 2nd phase behind them. The fluency is being killed because the forwards that are getting the ball (with a few exclusions) are stationary and are having no punch. Which is causing the knock ons and counter rucking. Simple things that could be fixed and then we can add things like 2nd and 3rd phase play. I think the main issue is the reds have gone away from the 'around the corner' attacking style link used and now revert to an open side play that graham seems to want to play. I'm not going to light the pitch fork up for RG yet as I think most of this could be fixed by cooper returning. But I do think he's attacking style and method is limited.
Don
Roar Rookie
Simmons and Kev with maybe Kotze and McDuling as reserves means the second row is in good order. My concern is a ball running 6 or 8. Happy with Thompson so that leaves 8. Schatz to me is a 6 and Browning isn't coming on as he should be. We need that aggressive hard running 8 to punch through a line. Gill and Thompson will be there to secure second phase. People underestimate how much impact Samo made in 2011. Where do we find another one?
Harry Jones
Expert
Tipping tip Kicks from hand: Highlanders 27 Reds 22 Thus, H-Landers win (unless Reds had beaten 22+ defenders; but they only best 20).
grapeseed
Guest
Frustrating game, Reds missed a lot of opportunities with failure at the set piece. Without the reliable platform, they cannot sustain pressure. The experience at 10 for the next six games or so will put JOC in good stead for being the Reds (and maybe even Wallaby) inside centre down the track. Clearly a bit rusty though, without any game time over the past few months. The less said about the ref and NZ commentary team, the better.
RobC
Roar Guru
Good one Combsey Im more concerned about the forwards. Its getting in the way of 2nd wave attacks / phase play My main observations is the Reds forwards on more than a few occasions: - run towards line like Rugby league players. - isolated 2 on 1, or knock in contact - Its been this way since 2013 - sometimes too high and get pushed back - sometimes too low and gets TOd They just need to know who's around them. And be smart about it. This is a coaching and selection issue: re players: - Looks like RG has got it right with Thompson and Gill. Tsui should probably add more - RGs front row combi at the rucks also ok. - I think its time to try someone like Lolo Fakaosilea, once Simmons + Kev comes on. - Thompson at 196m is jump option. - Reds need to punch through more powerfully.
Don
Roar Rookie
Combesy I'm still undecided on Kuridrani. On form I think I'd play Lachie Turner there ahead of him. I agree with JOC at 12 although I admit to being a Taps fan when he is fit and in form. If Taps was fit I'd have him at 10 until Cooper was back. He has a huge boot and a good pass.
Shungmao
Guest
Been posting here for a long time and never short of a word. But can one of you please explain the reds game plan , I can’t figure it out , I watched them live last week and let me tell you players were not that sure. Happy to look like a fool , just can’t work it out Reply
Combesy
Roar Guru
Agree with both of you. I wasn't knocking JOC at all, but it's clear his biggest threat is his running game, not kicking or playmaking. My preference would be 10.cooper 11.CFS 12.JOC 13. Kerevi 14. kuridrani 15. Hunt For me that is the most effective back line. If Hunt doesn't return and turner keeps improving I am open to him at fullback. That back line has size, speed and skill. Forwards is obvious we need Simmons and Holmes back. With Holmes back we have two strong tight head options. I think Kotze is going to be good competition for horwill. Liam gill and Thompson seem to be striking up a really good combination and gill seems to be rekindling that quality we all know he possess but he has failed to deliver
RobC
Roar Guru
Oh yeah and nice 2 TOs Thompson Gill But Thompson had a few mistakes: foot in scrum, touch/go ruck pen, accidental offisde with Hansen
RobC
Roar Guru
Reds all over the Landers in the first 20' or so until JOC missed the sitter Then Soft penalties cost them 6 JOC missed a sitter. Bad pass to Kerevi, touch finder fubars No one chasing kicks off Reds 10 or 15 2nd half, after the Reds try, it was all Landers Winning collisions, keep Reds out of 22m Reds dropped ball, isolated forward runners, knock ons by forwards Reds D saved their skin