Reds vs Chiefs: Super Rugby live scores, blog

Yeah correct, this is one thing the Kiwi half backs do well. Our 9's are heads down focused on picking the ball up and picking up a forward runner. The better half backs are scanning for defensive weaknesses continuously and know before they get to the break down where they want to move the ball. Most of our half backs telegraph the direction and target of the first pass. This enables the opposition to gang tackle the ball carrier behind the advantage line. Our 9's need to be far more deceptive and devious with this first pass. Sorovi does this and go's into the ruck (or scrum) to get quick ball.

Im entertained. Cutting the force was meant to make the rest of them stronger right? Serves them right.

I note the emphasis he placed on their training regime. Seems that most Australian teams are struggling with the pace of an up tempo game played by the Kiwis. With the ball they recycle cleanly and quickly. Their forwards are at the breakdown to ensure quick clean possession against a disorganized defensive line. Without the ball their defensive line speed is disciplined, organised and consistent. They get to our ball runners before we have a chance to get out of second gear. I am wondering if our training programs include enough aerobic fitness work.

There was no profit in gloating. All that does is give ammunition to the other teams about how disrespectful, one side can be. This competition is hard enough without being lippy - the Chiefs came over, did their job, got the win and left without adding the kick-in-the-guts commentary when their opposition, is down. I just hope everyone had a beer together after the game cos that's all, that was needed.

Agree Baz. Killer Mac's exit was a turning point. But this is the last time I'll say it here, the Reds did a fairly good job from 30' onwards I believe this is because the Chiefs can manage Reds "one-up runners" only for so long. It is tiring business trying to catch the Reds danger runners behind the gainline. The Chief's set piece is also more consistent. Again two of the four tries against the Reds are set piece turnovers (first one is scrum. Second one is LO) Similiar to what the chiefs said - well not the part about set piece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zMZ7chBByw

yeah, thats why Cheika went to great lengths last year to point out that he had to get the players match fit prior to the tests. These are professional athletes who are paid to be fit. I personally think that most of them just don't want to go to the effort. It is easier to swan around the gym and pretend. The coaches need to answer to a central body on fitness levels. It seems that individual franchises can't be trusted to enforce effective aerobic training regimes.

Funny thing is Baz, if everyone sees this and has known this is/was an issue all these years then why, has nothing been done, to rectify it?? Personally, I think there is a massive disconnect between the national coach and all the franchise coaches meaning, the boat is going in every direction except, the same direction.

The Chiefs only faced one real challenge. How do we remain humble at the post match interview after we have just owned another Oz team. Well done Sam Cane, I didn't believe a word you said but full points for effort.

@RobC I think they looked terrible up until MacKenzie went off. He knows exactly how to open up OZ teams. With him on the field the Reds defensive line looked 2 men short. I enjoyed watching MacKenzie go to work, but the game only became a competition once he left the field.

Ben Lucas is trying to do the work that his loose forwards should be doing. He is late to the break down and often caught at the bottom of the ruck. Like the look of Sorovi. As MacKenzie has shown, size is not and issue. If you are good enough you are big enough.

Yep, same issue as prior years. They have plenty of muscle bulk, but lack aerobic fitness. This is why they fall away at the end of games so badly. Also why MacKenzie and most other good distributors can find holes on the edges after a few recycles. Shape is gone and players are struggling to get back into the line. They need to get out of the gym and do the hard yards. There is a skills gap as well but much of the dominance we are seeing is fitness related. There is no excuse for this. The coach is responsible.

Prior to kickoff, I had my concerns about how the Chiefs pack would respond to the Reds pack because there have been previous games between these sides at Suncorp when the Reds, have just given the Chiefs pack, a touch-up. Not only was I surprised by the score at HT but, it left me searching for reasons why. And, I didn't have to wait long for what I consider, was the major reason.....and that was the HT interview with Ben Lucas. When I played, which was eons ago when dinosaurs roamed the playing field, one important facet of being able to play, was match fitness and a key measure IMO, of achieving this level of fitness, was the time it takes a player to get their "second wind". The quicker you achieved that level, the fitter you were when playing. Things never change when years become ages and ages become eons......match fitness was always the level that players wanted to achieve and another measure of match fitness, was how well you communicated during an injury break or in this example, an HT interview. The more eloquent and coherent that players are in discussions was IMO, a classic example of how fit, that player was. Unfortunately, I thought Lucas was a definitive example of seriously lacking in fitness because throughout his chat, he was blowing extremely hard and having difficulty with getting his words and responses out, in a coherent fashion. I then wondered how the rest of his side were feeling at HT and realised, that the Chiefs simple game plan of taking the ball to all parts of the field in a sensible manner without trying to offload, certainly took the wind right out of the Reds sails or should I say lungs and deliver the scoreline, that we all saw. I was even more amazed that the Chiefs would play a game where the offloading game-plan, was parked in the changing room and simple quick rucks, draw and pass tactics, would not only give them a win but more assuredly, it ran their opponents, right off their feet. Oh and btw, can someone please give Angus Taa'vao a compass so that he can find his way to avoid injuring his team-mates....lol. He's already claimed Ross last week and of course, Macca last night....haha!! A solid and sensible win and I'll take that one.

You are still criticising Quade. You just watched a very inept performance from Thorn and the Reds. Yet you are still criticising Quade. Your focus displays a stubborn mentality. No wonder you love Thorn. Cooper would only improve this side and bring 5000 more through the gates.

I was there. The Chiefs certainly dropped their intensity. The game was full of errors in the period the Reds did ok. It was not s great game and the Chiefs thrashed us in a canter.

For Aussie teams to get a win over their NZ rivals I have two easy solution. First use two rugby balls.Aussie teams to use a round ball while NZ teams use the oval ball.If there is only one ball use Aussie team to make sure the ball is tamper be4 kickoff.Just a thought.

bonus point was only after Reds decided to continued to play' Cheifs would have piled more points if they could You honestly think the Hamiltonians told each other: we will wait til 85' to get the bonus point?

My guess is that Thorn wants Stewart to have a bit more experience before he gets put in the hot seat at 10. Remember Jake McIntyre? He had his reputation and career ruined when he was made to be the Reds playmaker too early. Stewart is good but needs more of a running game and to iron out a few kinks, as we saw tonight verity the missed kick for touch. Better to let Lance cop the heat this year, while they work out the basics, then let Stewart play next year.

I respect that riddler. I enjoy the game also. But call me greedy, I want more. For me, rugby at the highest level contested between equal teams is a spectacular sport that competes well with any TV-sport entertainment anywhere in the world. Too many predictable scorelines and a too obvious gulf in skills and quality. With so much negativity already going on in OZ rugby already, this is hurting the game in OZ badly.

riddler I ain't no Cooper lover nor a Thorn hater. I agree it's Thorn's call. My assessment of the Reds performance has been outlined here tonight and on balance, this Reds team at the present time could really do with Cooper's inclusion, including his liabilities, and could not be possibly worse off from what I'm seeing. I'm not saying they would have won the game because I believe the Chiefs held a lot in reserve that they didn't need to expend. They were toying with the Reds like a cat with a poor mouse whose getting loving pats on the head for 60 minutes till the full-time siren.