For both the Reds and the Sharks the finals are out of the question, but pride is still on the line. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
The return of ‘The Godfather’ of coaching was just what the Reds needed as they steamrolled the Rebels, who before last week’s game were talked up as a potential leader of the Australian conference.
Instead the Rebels were hammered in the second half as the Reds put on an exhibition of running rugby.
James O’Connor looked to be back to his best and Reds fans got a taste of what is to come from their big signing. But the big story was Jake McIntyre, who was eased into his role and proved a find for the Reds, with Will Genia coming out this week and giving the youngster his tick of approval.
McIntyre retains his spot despite Quade Cooper being cleared of a shoulder fracture, and will again be a valuable cog for the Reds.
As for the Sharks it’s been a bit of a letdown season due to injuries and poor form. They will welcome back Willem Alberts this week who is highly rated by his coach Gary Gold.
Gold acknowledged that the game against the Reds wasn’t going to be easy.
“You look at the players in their team – Slipper, Horwill, Genia Turner, O’Connor – these are really good rugby players, highly experienced internationals, and this is a team going through a similar season to us,” said Gold.
“A couple of injuries, a couple of poor performances and they’ve found themselves on the end of a couple of bad results. But credit to them. They turned the corner last weekend against a good Rebels team and we know we’re going to have our hands full this weekend.”
Prediction
It’s hard to tip against the Reds after last week so I’m going with them.
Reds by 5.
Woodsman
Guest
For me it was the slow recycle that caused most of the problems. Allowing the bigger Shorks men to get set meant the Reds were hit by dominant tackles, needed to commit more men and had even slower ball to work with. It was a never ending circle of doom. They needed to move it further off the ruck and get the sharks big boppers working harder for their meals. Despite being at the end of a four week tour and being the 'walking wounded' it was the Reds pack that looked tired and beaten first.
Zero Gain
Guest
Hey Mick., can Kiwis get the dole on the Goldy?
Zero Gain
Guest
Hey, Mick, why don't you post a photo of yourself, so we can compare?
Zero Gain
Guest
Gee, you are a jerk, Mick...
RedsKing
Guest
shut up.
Vic
Guest
Try assist gets my vote Rob :))
MJB
Guest
O'Connor is a true winger now that he's had his own version of Campo's Corner...
RobC
Roar Guru
Hahaha. I was afraid to ask the abbreviations Vic, I checked the stats. Marcel demoted to third on motm for the Sharks 3TOW Close call between Biz with 6 TOW, and omfg JOC 5 TOC, and try assist to Ungerer :lol:
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Ahhh I see. Yep I decided a couple years ago that the shaved hair look was the better option for me to take with my thinning hair, as much as it broke my heart..... Lol. Jannie's around my age too. AAC would solve the current Bok 13 crisis. I'd pen him in if he were one of us.
Vic
Guest
Well, that would then be SUHADR
Vic
Guest
You're a glass half full man, aren't you?
Harry Jones
Expert
AAC is super, actually, but I know our Aussie friends believe he never passes the ball. (I would have him in my Bok 23 any day if he were eligible). CYDH is cut your damn hair. I just think he'd look a lot more intimidating if he stopped dying his thin, wispy hair, and shaved it down to a 1--a real menacing look.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
I can guess the first 3. AAC - Pass the damn ball ! Lol. I actually rate him though. Great player. I'm assuming JDP is Jannie. But can't make out CYDH? Maybe "Can you defend ..."?
Vic
Guest
Hi Rob, thanks man I'm stoked. Thought Coetzee played well, Biz ok, no- one really outstanding but they played well as a team.
RedsKing
Guest
WE ARE RED!!! WE ARE RED!!! How good was O'connor tonight?
Harry Jones
Expert
Hahaha! Also, he's cut down to one cow per day consumption
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
That would be Mister Lawton.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Yes please!!! :-) My first game at Suncorp and we come away with the win. Quite a few Sharks supporters in the stadium which was nice to see away from home. JPP's crunching tackle in the midfield to close down that final pass, hitting man and ball at once, seemed to be a defining point in the game. Cracking try by the Reds in the 1st half, but to me it looked as though JPP never touched the ball and it was knocked on by the Reds player? I could be wrong.
RobC
Roar Guru
Congrats Vic. Who's your motm?
colvin
Guest
Mick thanks. I wouldn't have been able at sleep at nights without that resolved.