While only an early pre-season game, Queensland looked the goods in Friday’s match-up against the Melbourne Rebels.
Fielding a close to full strength team in muggy Gladstone, The Reds ran away with a 57-5 win against albeit an understrength Rebels squad, with Filipi Daugunu showcasing how to finish with five meat pies, and Bryce Hegarty proving a sharp shooter with six conversions.
Super Rugby, Queensland Rugby Union and the Rugby Australia should be happy with a decent crowd after inclement weather showing up in the heart of rugby league.
The match started as expected with the mismatch of starters for the Reds and potentials for the Rebels, with a strong forward dominance from the Reds converting to some fantastic finishing touches in the backs, with Filipi Daugunu showing both an ability to score some fantastic individual brilliance, and the ability to link and support.
His link with Tate McDermott from a sublime backhand flick meant that every time the dynamic halfback made a break, the Rebels were at attention.
As an ex front rower,the forward dominance in the first half, and the second try from the Reds, was a pleasure to watch.
A win against the feed, a dominant maul setup by hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa,and a march to the try line by said dominant nail leading to a try, warmed the cockles of this die hard believer in rugby’s need for competitive scrums.
The second half led to a more even affair, especially upfront, as both coaches made changes to their starting squads, but the Reds were still able to continue their dominance, albeit while still keeping some key and core players on the park. Of particular concern for Rebels coach Dave Wessels was the lineout, with many throws going astray without much competition from the Reds.
Concerns at the start of the season about cementing in a Flyhalf, seemed abated, with some strong guidance and backup coming from returnee James O’Connor, in support of Isaac Lucas. Both scrum halves looked dangerous at times, and while bringing a different game to the table, should benefit from a hopefully continuation of a dominant pack.
Here’s to hoping the Reds can continue both this flair from the back, on the base of a strong front.
Racing Chicken Trainer
Roar Rookie
Yeah I get what you are saying. Better then years back with Hunt and speculation about his naughtiness. Better positivity then “how long will Thorn last”,”what’s going on with Quade Cooper” or “how naught do and so has been in off season”. Daugunu looked great, both in his finishing and offloading so will hurt. Luckily it seems we have some options! Looking forward to tonight’s game! Hopefully my bar is too busy for me too watch it, but also not haha
Dean
Roar Rookie
I agree mate. But I’m also over the media beat up hoohaa at the start of each season, with both the Wallabies and our S15 teams. The success (which I’m confident of) of this REDS Squad will come with a focus on humility and honesty. Shame we lost Daungunu for 5 weeks????
Azza
Guest
SPRINGBOKS "2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP " champions. Not NZ. Pommy Tualagi had a field day against the AIG`S. I suppose Manu is not a bash and barge centre ?He is a finesse centre? Right ? You have no idea.
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
To each their own opinion I guess. The ABs will still be the bookies favourites versus any team they play next year (including SA in SA). You think at a bash and barge centre is the way to win matches, I (and history) say it wont. We will just have to look at the results Reds this year and see how they go without their ‘best’ player. I have played with similar styled players and counterintuitively the team usually does better without them
Locky
Guest
Agreed. Massive loss to the Reds and Wallabies. Best Aussie back in 2019 by a long way.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
jp: You are not alone, many rugby supporters are resorting to alchohol to deal with 'rugby withdrawal syndrome'.
BuffaloTheorist
Roar Rookie
Kerevi also had the confidence (and the coach’s blessing?) to jump into first receiver at the reds last year – as a distributor rather than a crash-ball runner – which more often then not led to positive plays in the opposition half. His role in the WBs backline was clearly different. His form was certainly down for the WBs and he copped a lot of criticism for being a ball hog. I wonder how much of it was to do with his comfort level in the WB system. Despite consistently being named a VC, he never seemed to play with the same freedom in the WBs as at the Reds. Big loss for Oz rugby.
JP
Guest
Well whatever he says it doesn`t work.Have you seen the inept games they have played against the Waratahs? Weak as water.The 2018 SCG capitulation was the worst game against the Tahs i have ever seen. It was fortunate i was in a mates fully stocked corporate suite.I downed quite a few that night.
Azza
Guest
You are delusional. The AIG`S are not the best team in the world. South Africa are. Laumape would have made a massive difference to the ABs. ALB was horrendous. Just face it. Hansen got it wrong.The Reds will struggle with no go forward in the backline without Samu.They also possess a braindead head coach which doesn`t help.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
You could be right about an old style Qld'r and Thorne is a quietly spoken guy but, I have not been in the shed with him and I suppose neither have you?
Racing Chicken Trainer
Roar Rookie
I get what you are saying Dean, but I really enjoyed the game, am looking forward to the start of the season, and after a few tough years as both a Reds and Wallabies supporter, I will take what I can! Plus I am a glass half full guy!
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Haha I would argue the other way. If you think winning rugby matches is about having ‘big carriers’ you dont have a clue! Winning rugby matches is about smart tactical kicking, aggression at the ruck, and taking advantage of the rare opportunities you get by using good hands in the backline to run in tries out wide. I suppose the Crusaders and the All Blacks know nothing about winning matches with their smart passing centres? The ABs are still the best team in the world and they have no place for Laumape (who is head and shoulders better than Kerevi). There are other reasons for the Reds and Wallabies poor form but in my opinion Kerevi is a net negative player to the team overall. Time will tell this season
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Zado I agree. Daugunu is my first choice as one of the 2 wings (with Speight on the other) but we have good spares. Petaia’s one certainty, either of CFS or Campell coming in to the XV will do me. The ‘faaark’ was more exasperation, ie ‘why do players keep upending other players’???!!!
Gary
Guest
Exactly, if Brad Thorn doesn't get his team into the top 6 i`d sack him immediately.That would be 3 failures in a row. Worse than Richard Graham.
JP
Guest
Have the Reds ever beaten the Tahs under Thorne? He must be weak as water when he gives them a pep talk before the game. Need an old school reds legend with passion to fire them up. Toutai Kefu Matt Cockbain Dan Crowley or Damien Smith would suffice as it seems kiwi Thorne just doesn`t get the 130 year state rivalry bit very well.
Zado
Guest
Nothing to worry about .Simple reshuffle without Danganu. CFS Speight Campbell or Petaia will be the wingers.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Next year
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Uelese showed he was capable at test level. I still wouldn't have him at starter without a good season though.
Gav
Guest
If Rennie is fair dinkum Beale LSL Hanigan Toomua Robertson Dempsey and Holloway must not be picked. Proven underperformers.
Scott
Guest
Uelese ? The bloke has shown nothing? Holloway? LSL ? Harrison? Wayne Smith has lost the plot.