Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn says he’s delighted with how his team of “projects” is responding as they prepare to test their Super Rugby credentials on the road for the first time.
The Reds booked their second straight win on Saturday night against the Bulls, winning 20-14 in another terrific display built on sturdy defence and a monster scrum.
Even without four of their best players – Scott Higginbotham, Izaia Perese, Lukhan Tui and George Smith – Thorn’s young guns rose to the occasion, clawing from 14-3 down to continue a hugely encouraging start to the season.
“A lot of pleasing stuff, once again,” Thorn said.
“The scrum, (I’m) just loving where that’s going. We’ve got to keep working hard but it’s a good weapon there.
“There’s a whole heap of projects out there improving slowly.
“For us, we’ve just got to keep getting smarter, learn fast, getting that execution and composure.”
There’s little time to celebrate, though, with the Reds due to leave Brisbane on Sunday morning ahead of their forthcoming clashes against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires and the Stormers in Cape Town.
Thorn has named a 27-man squad that includes the match-day group from the Bulls win as well as captain Higginbotham, newly-signed prop Ruan Smith, hooker Andrew Ready and off-season recruit Ben Lucas.
Higginbotham is still suspended for the Argentina leg but is eligible to play in South Africa, with second-rower Tui, who also has a one-week ban left to serve, left behind.
The Reds’ set-piece will be tested for the third straight week against the Jaguares, who were renowned for their scrum prowess even before ex-Wallabies scrum guru Mario Ledesma joined as coach.
It’s little surprise the scrum has been such a focus for Queensland given Thorn said it was one of the first things he “fell in love” with after switching to rugby from the NRL.
“I was always passionate about it,” Thorn said.
“I was frustrated when I first went to rugby (with) the rules and different things, and I found the scrum and I could just let out some frustration in there and just go to work.
“It was simple – just push hard, and be part of a group of eight men.”
QUEENSLAND REDS TOURING SQUAD
Props: Sef Fa’agase, James Slipper, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Taniela Tupou
Hookers: Alex Mafi, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Andrew Ready
Locks: Kane Douglas, Harry Hockings, Izack Rodda
Back row: Scott Higginbotham, Adam Korczyk, Angus Scott-Young, Caleb Timu, Liam Wright
Halfbacks: Tate McDermott, James Tuttle
Five-eighths: Jono Lance, Hamish Stewart
Centres: Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Duncan Paia’aua
Outside backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Lucas, Eto Nabuli, Aidan Toua
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