After leading the way to a drought-breaking win, James O’Connor believes the Queensland Reds can beat any team in Super Rugby on their day.
Confidence is higher in the Reds camp as they head home from South Africa after a dramatic 18-17 triumph over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday (AEST) ended a six-match losing streak.
“We needed that,” O’Connor said.
“I feel it’s karma.
“It’s been a great tour for us, as a team we’ve really gelled and it’s been a long time coming.
“When we stick to our game plans and structures, we’ve proven we can score tries, attack and beat any team.”
They’ll get a chance to prove that big claim when they play the table-topping Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the win moves the Reds (2-7) off the bottom of both the Australian conference and the Super Rugby overall ladder.
Off-season recruit O’Connor played his best game in a Queensland jersey, crafting the openings for their two tries shortly after half-time to set up a barnstorming second half.
The Reds were down 10-0 early but clawed back and clinched the win with a Nick Frisby drop goal late on.
The Cheetahs had a chance to snatch victory at the death when Adam Thomson was penalised for playing the ball on the ground.
With just seconds remaining, Joe Pietersen’s attempt came off the upright, bounced back into play and into the safe hands of O’Connor.
“In terms of Pietersen, you feel for him somewhat but we’re really pleased with the win,” coach Richard Graham said.
“Getting to the end of the game, you don’t like to see a game decided (by a penalty) – and I don’t think we deserved the penalty against us.
“As a group we’re really proud of the efforts.
“It’s been a good tour for us as a group, we’ve really enjoyed the two weeks.”
It wouldn’t be a Reds game in 2015 without another injury, and the team’s curse in that department struck again, this time claiming Curtis Browning (knee) after just two minutes.
“I’m just super proud of the boys,” captain James Slipper said.
“The rugby gods are smiling down on us with that last kick.
“We were just happy to get the win with all the injuries.”
Armchair Sportsfan
Guest
"When we stick to our game plans and structures..." sorry JOC, you lost me right there.
Al Capone
Guest
Then beat somebody,anybody . . . . . .almost forgot they beat the Cheetahs,let's see how they follow that up.
Marty
Guest
Has JOC been drinking again?
RobC
Roar Guru
Yup. Coenie was subbed halftime Scrum dropped a lot after that Ref treated the engagements way better in 1H
PeterK
Roar Guru
After oozhuizen went off.
Hard Facts
Guest
Probably because he is not a first five. Great runner but not an organiser, has limited vision and is not part of a team
Harry
Guest
Lets put into perspective. Was it the 12the placed team against the 15th placed team and a one point margin.. Got to love the confidence
RobC
Roar Guru
Referring to 2nd half scrums, Pete?
PeterK
Roar Guru
the cheetahs were being dominated and pushed back in the scrums. So their tactic then was to drop the scrum, have their props on their knees on the ground to avoid going backwards or standing up. The ref just played on allowing the cheetahs to secure their ball instead of rewarding a dominant scrum. Not even handed in that only the cheetahs were dominated yet the reds not rewarded. The rest of the game I agree a good reffing performance outside the scrums.
dru
Roar Rookie
I would imagine that JOC has a view to his WB opportunities. RG seems to favour a small group. This said, JOC was not ideal at FH. Hunt neither. I'm happly to see Frisby on the park. He is also getting more settled. With the decision now aparantly made, lets hope RG sticks with it.
dru
Roar Rookie
PK, there was a lot of things I would have different, but I liked his even-ness and communication. Did I miss something in the scrums? I thought the ref was even handed.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Agree with 1 major exception. If the aussie scrum capitulated like that a lot more penalties would be awarded and eventually a yellow card. The ref was reluctant to penalise the imploding Cheetahs scrum depsite standing up, dropping binds, going on knees to avoid being shunted backwards.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Probably because he is just not up to it?
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
That's a damn good question. It's probably because 'we've been there and done that' with JOC, when he wasn't the best choice. And now that he is the best choice (with QC injured), the coach just can't see it.
AussieinNZ
Guest
Why is JOC not playing at first five?
Trent Marshall
Guest
Winning because the opposition kicker choked is not something to brag about. However, Cheetahs without le Roux running the show and with Brussow going off injured were pretty pathetic for the rest of the game. Naka Drotske must surely be sent on his way, he has been plodding along for 8 years now, good grief.
dru
Roar Rookie
After one of the earlier artical said here on Roar "Reds to be Berry'd in RSA" it's worth mentioning the ref. interpretations not quite the same as we see in Aus, but I thought very consistent and top communication. Rucks a bit messier and slower, a more sensible (seems to me) approach to the off side line for the opposition half in the scrums, slower to call a turn over... But consistent easy to understand and equitable performance.