Tim Horan is loving the Queensland Reds’ “fearless” football but says he will wait another week before judging the improved side’s Super Rugby credentials.
The Reds put 10 tries on the Sunwolves last Saturday in a record-breaking win to break a run of three encouraging losses to start the season.
They host the in-form Sharks (3-1) on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium before a trans-Tasman trip to play last year’s champions the Crusaders in round five.
Those teams boast some of the world’s best players, with South African backs Makazole Mapimpi and fullback Aphelele Fassi firing the Sharks past the Melbourne Rebels last week and the Highlanders the weekend before.
Queensland’s new-look halves combination of Tate McDermott and James O’Connor has impressed, while centres Hunter Paisami and Hamish Stewart have combined well and fullback Jock Campbell has flourished.
Horan, a long-time force in the centres for club and country, admitted it was a joy to watch the revamped backline in full flight but their efforts over the next fortnight would be revealing.
“There is no fear in how they’re playing; there’s an excitement about it and you can put that expansive play down to (attack coach) Jim McKay,” said Horan, whose son Alex will make his Super Rugby debut on Saturday for the Sunwolves.
“But you’ve got to be careful. I’d say in 10 days (after they’ve played the Sharks and Crusaders), you’ll see just how well they’re going.”
Coach Brad Thorn has encouraged the side to play with freedom but says that isn’t always the most-practical approach.
“If you look at any time in my career, I’m the staunch hit-up, tight guy but the (NRL’s Brisbane) Broncos we played attractively, the Crusaders, All Blacks played a great brand,” Horan told AAP.
“I love that continuity but, sometimes, you might have that dull game – just trying to win but, generally, we want to be expressing ourselves.”
As for how they planned to break down the Sharks’ high-octane approach, Thorn was cagey.
“We’re backing ourselves to compete hard against them; they’ve been the talk of the comp,” he said.
“They’re very sharp all over the park … I just think it’s good timing (for us).
“It’s their last game (of a three-game tour) and they’ve had a fair trip away – you take your hat off to them.”
Matt
Guest
BuiIding ? What are they building ? Is Thorn going to tell us what they are building ? They have won 1 game and lost 4.They are woeful.I reckon the Tahs are a better team to be honest.The reds are not disciplined and look lazy hands on hips etc etc.Two weeks of pain to come.
Locky
Guest
They are not a very well coached team as was shown by the clinical way the Sharks finished them off easily on satday. No finals for them this year. Thorn to be booted in June.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Coach Brad Thorne has encouraged the side to play with freedom but admits "that isn't always the most practical approach...." .... No Brad it cost you a win against The Lions for starters... Playing "attractive" rugby is bringing your supporters back?.... From your average supporter I will give you a dash of advice.... Winning matches is all that matters..
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I trust it was worth the trip CR. :stoked:
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
jameswm
Roar Guru
Maybe, but away from home b
Realist
Guest
I agree with the Reds slipping up tonight. They’ll be down on intensity and overconfident following last week’s walkover. Won’t mind as long as they bounced back next week and trounce the Crusaders (which is difficult to envisage)
Double Agent
Guest
That's one of the things I like about SR. I've got four teams to support.
PeterK
Roar Guru
reds have dominated in set piece often but their defence then lets them down
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
The Sharks have to rest some players including Makazole Mapimpi which isn’t good news for them. Mvovo is not a bad replacement however. Lukhanyo Am is back today after his rest game last weekend. I’ll be there at Suncorp with my little boy, a mate and his little boy :-) Doing the 1.5 hour trip down from the Sunshine Coast. Go Sharks!! For this game and the comp. Go Reds!! Maybe not this game but for the rest of the competition.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Pete I think the main thing is if the Reds tight 5 can get on top. If so, esp in the scrums - at home - they’ll be tough to beat.
freddieeffer
Roar Rookie
Bgg, my margin - Reds by a head; maybe quarter of a length.
ethan
Guest
Yep, will be a good test of Reds defence. They've been doing OK for 60 minutes this season, but will need to so for 80 tonight.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I’m loving how the Reds are playing. Should be a cracker tonight.
numpty
Roar Rookie
My worry is their ability to exit. Sharks might just pin them on their own tryline, wait for penalties or go for the lineout maul.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Think they will win but I didn't tip them... Looking forward to the game, should be a great test for the youngsters and Sharks are no easy beats.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
‘Sort of hope they’ lose. Sort of. I’ll put it this way, even if I don’t cheer for the Shorks, I won’t be particularly disheartened if the Reds lose. Certainly some silver linings as a Brumbies fan.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I can see them losing tonight and winning next week
freddieeffer
Roar Rookie
The Reds are finally gaining the strength and smarts in both the forwards and backs (especially with JOC at 10) to not only make scoring opportunities, but take the points and build scoreboard pressure, as well as defend stoutly. If they can do this and win at home against a very good side, then they can do this away; so for me, a lot hinges on this game. I'm tipping the Reds; their set piece is quite formidable and it's building, and is putting other teams under constant strain and pressure. JOC to steer them home tonight. The Reds just might become a wrecking ball as the SR comp progresses.
PeterK
Roar Guru
I never want any oz team to lose to another countries team.