Attending the Reds versus Brumbies game at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon in 33-degree heat was a good chance for Queensland Reds fans in the Western stand to get to know one another up close and personal, with 13,500 cramming into the shady side of the stadium.
A few brave (crazy?) souls kept their seats in the sun-baked Eastern stands, perhaps in sympathy for the players who had to throw together a game of rugby in centre.
Indeed, though the players did it tough and after an initial 27 phase attacking effort by the Brumbies, magnificently repelled by the Reds, clearly paced themselves for the first half.
There was a lot of tactical kicking, lots of water and taking time to get to lineouts, scrums and goal kick attempts.
There was nothing wrong with that as it gave the match a nice cricket match feel to it and certainly meant you had to be less worried about missing something if you snuck out for another beer.
When the Reds took their chance they made it count though, with Scott Higginbotham showing his intent with a powerful close-range try, spinning out of the grip of several Brumbies defenders to get the ball over the line for the first try.
The breakout had to wait until the second half though, with the Reds ruthlessly capitalising on Brumbies mistakes for a total five-try haul to which the Brumbies could only respond with two tries coming off a Reds turnover and a poor pass close to their own line.
The Brumbies were frankly outmuscled and outrun in the heat, in particular, they seemed to be missing giant blindside flanker Rob Valetini, who was out with injury, for his ability to break the line.
(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Open side David Pocock was out with injury too, though generating breakdown penalties and turnovers was a Brumbies strength but they also lost monster lock Rory Arnold to injury early in the game.
But in totality, these injuries wouldn’t have accounted for the eventual 22 point deficit to the Reds, whose fitness and desire shone through.
When it comes to fitness and desire, the Reds player that really stood out though was captain Samu Kerevi.
Aside from the fact that Kerevi has steadily required the skills that are turning him into Australia’s universal warrior a la Ma’aa Nonu – it is his attitude and commitment that have made him such an asset to the Reds and Wallabies.
This was none more evident than on Sunday’s game, when he shifted his 108kg at pace and often in traffic, for 15 runs and 77 metres, topping the attacking charts.
He also assisted a try and was integral in another. All in all, it was a good effort for a 12 during a normal evening match of rugby in 33-degree heat.
This raises the question to Rugby Australia, who are in contract negotiations with Kerevi. Is this a player that Australian rugby can really afford to lose?
Rugby Australia have managed to get deals of over a million for David Pocock and Michael Hooper, both true rugby professionals, of over a million dollars a season, while Israel Folau is reportedly on $2 million.
Surely Kerevi’s unique physical build and skill set, his professionalism, his leadership ability and the “leave nothing in the tank” attitude that he demonstrated on Sunday, justify the same sort of remuneration?
Especially since he is only 25 years old and has the best years of his rugby playing life ahead of him.
Yet the only reports that we have seen about Kerevi is that he is likely to go to Japan after the World Cup because Rugby Australia is baulking at matching offers in the order of $1 million that he is getting from Japanese clubs.
Perhaps Rugby Australia needs to think hard on the significant number of young Queensland developed players who have won Wallabies caps in recent years.
How many more young Queenslanders could be inspired to become elite rugby players, by a successful Reds team led by a genuine talisman like Kerevi?
His value goes well beyond what he can do on the field and Rugby Australia should be bending over backwards, like it has with several players from south of the Tweed, to keep him in Australia post-2019.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
How shallow AUS rugby has become...more interested in social media profiles and performing on the field....wow
P2R2
Roar Rookie
He plays rugby for gawds sake....what is it with the need for social media profiles...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
DO you really believe that who follows you is important in playing rugby??? how shallow...probably all the followers of Folau go to church with him....and good on them...I'm with Kerevi leaving for greener pastures - and the money...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Everyone should be behind him leaving...RA have no cash...they want to stay with MC's choices of OLD players....let him go...he has money to earn for his retirement and he will never get that in AUS...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Does RA have the money to pay him and keep him?? not sure??
riddler
Roar Rookie
Alred is a legend. And also a very good thinker of pressure moments. Would love him to be picked up by the national set up and work for the all the states. The other one I would love to get in oz is shaun Edwards. Who knows maybe he might be bought in with the knew coach. Supposedly he wants to stay in intl Rugby over club. Only rumour, but who knows.
riddler
Roar Rookie
First game of soccer I went to in my life was at the old Wembley. Sheffield United vs some team. Play off game. Two things amazed me, the separation and the number of police. Having been at twickers a few times before that, the contrast in the crowds and ambience was amazing. Have given soccer many attempts over the past 25 years. Some very big games at big stadiums, but just can't get into it. I hope that rugby never goes that way. I see some snarky players and fans every now and then who would be better off in soccer. They are definitely in the minority. I also think on here, some people are more challenging than they would be in real life. The nature of the beast of chat rooms I guess.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
I have a cousin (by marriage) from the UK who's more of a "football" fan but came along to a game of rugby at Suncorp. Firstly he was amazed that the fans weren't separated and secondly that there was nothing but very good natured banter exchanged. You do get some good people at the rugby.
QED
Roar Rookie
but we all agree though that Hooper is worth the 5+ million deal. It's hard to inject a tone of sarcasm in writing, sigh :-(
riddler
Roar Rookie
I am not that much of fan. No probs. Not everyone likes the same players all the time. Maddock is another one that people have big tickets on and I just don't see it.
QED
Roar Rookie
ouch.
QED
Roar Rookie
Toomua is actually only 29 but yes post RWC you have to question how much more is left in the tank. Hunt on the other hand is 32 and will be 33 in Nov. Played only 7 tests. yes he is a solid defender but he should not even be in the equation.
QED
Roar Rookie
trade off ? noun: a balance achieved between two desirable but incompatible features; a compromise. except paying Michael Hooper 5+ million is not a desirable feature, We could have made the 'trade off' and I don't know paid him 'only' $3 million
QED
Roar Rookie
he is another thought, retain your best players like Kerevi - win more matches because of their talent on display and bingo profile lifted
QED
Roar Rookie
but RA had 5+ million for Hooper......
riddler
Roar Rookie
No probs oaf. No bad intentions on my part. My abilities sometimes with writing are not clear, especially if it is at night after a few beers! Am an old thick piggie. Love my qld team, love my oz team more. The game though is what I love the most, have been lucky enough to play in a fair whack of countries who play it, and even better, I have managed to watch a game in a quite few others that I never knew played! For me it is the best sport with 98% of the fans top people, usually.
riddler
Roar Rookie
Mate when back in oz, will love to pop down to chipsy. I read doubles has cancer. Sad news. Nice guy, who has devoted his life to the magpies. U r not my arch nemesis. U made a wrong call, while also trying to insult. That to me is mu ppet behaviour. Also like using the word bud as u do, says so much about ur character. Don't worry mate, will be a pleasure to have a beer with u, I will be in touch when back there. Been to this dance many a time with loud mouth wannabes. Only know gav I know of any significance in bris was Gavin head. And u r definitely not him.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Hey Riddler, Your last post had me a bit confused as you seemed to be saying that fans stick with their team - except for when they don't. And your opening comment about fans seemed to suggest that at least some of them were fickle. I'm just trying to balance the concept of fickle loyal fans. My point was essentially that if a club believes that loyalty is of value perhaps that is an attribute that could also be shown by the club. Which is, demonstrably, not the case with the Qld Reds currently.
Luke Ringland
Guest
Kerevi signed with the Tahs!!!!!??? :-P.
Gav
Guest
Riddler so Kerevi was dropped after the 2nd test you deadset Pelican? no injury ? LOL. I probably already know you as i`m a Brisbane rugby follower over 30 years, but if you told me your real name etc etc.?? Is Batman your arch nemesis or is it me now? ? Come out to Souths Magpies on game day and i`ll meet you for a beer .No dramas bud.Lol.