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
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Korczyk actually had the highest equal tackle count for the game with Kerevi, eleven tackles. http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/matchstats?gameId=292117&league=242041 And I would strongly suggest that the Reds didn't achieve 60% possession and over that in territory with their number 6 not working.
KFar
Guest
Just like Rodzilla.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I think Liam Wright is too light. He did well at times, but on the whole I think he doesn't have the bulk. Nabuli is the worst player in the Reds backs right now... I would expect Perese to take his spot when he comes good. The centres on Saturday night looked good and I would stick with that pairing over bringing DP back in.
cinque
Guest
Liam Wright went well. Turnovers, plus trucked it up against bigger men. Can't see son of Sam starting.
Gepetto
Guest
Korczyk is a very elusive player- he can go 80 minutes and rarely touch the ball or make a first-up tackle. He is expert at arriving late at the breakdown and standing beside it. Scott-Young should start. Nabuli is a try-blocker.
Jeff
Guest
I always thought that Thor was nothing but unwarranted hype based on a few schoolboy youtube videos. Never believed that he would be able step up to Super and Test level footy but he has proven me wrong. Can see this guy anchoring the Wallaby scrum for years to come.
Stephen Creagh
Guest
If the Reds can pull even one or two bonus points away from this short tour, then it would be considered a victory. A win against either of these teams would be massive, and not as far fetched as it seemed a few weeks ago. The most impressive thing about this young team to me is the discipline - again , just five penalties conceded on Saturday night (and there were two in the first ten minutes). Five the week before and only eight in the opening game debacle. Jono Lance really looks like he's coming into his own and the new winger Duagunu might just have the goods. The forward pack is just so strong. Caleb Timu and Brandan Paenga-Amosa were both terrific.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
As I understand it the Bulls have never won at Suncorp. AND last night was the first time they've ever had as much as a half time lead. A win is a win and it's great to see the Reds with 2 in a row but I dunno if beating the Bulls at Suncorp is the marker of a great side.
Dave_S
Guest
Or Storm to a win. Or was that not a pun ;)
Dave_S
Guest
Yep, the Reds will be feeling like that can mix it with the better teams, even with the bench on. Reckon we’d look better with Paia'aua in and Nabuli out, though. If Hunt is allowed back we will have a good organiser too.
rebel
Roar Guru
Don't worry Brad, focus will be on the tahs this week, not the lowest placed Aus side though.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Friday night proved that the Brumbies are strugglers this year or at least at the moment. Last night’s win was a good win though, as the Bulls look like more of a threat. The Bulls/Brazilian National team (what’s the go with those jerseys?) inability to catch the ball certainly helped the Reds though.
Adsa
Guest
A good time for the Reds to go on tour with the two wins under their belt. They are up against two top teams in Jaguers and Stormers who are strong at home. I can't remember the last time the Reds won overseas?, I hope they shake the monkey off their back and jag a win.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
We share your delight Brad!
mania
Guest
I’m enjoying thorn being right