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Opinion
The Queensland Reds had a promising start to the Super Rugby AU season with two wins and a draw in the first three matches, but they then suffered a 20-22 loss against the Brumbies in Canberra.
This was followed by 12-45 flogging by the Waratahs in Sydney the following week.
The losses highlighted problems that have plagued the Reds: high penalty counts and a malfunctioning lineout. In the Waratahs game this was compounded by the collapse of the previously strong Reds defence.
The losses were a major concern for the Reds, who had dropped from second on the Super Rugby AU table to third, equal with the Waratahs and behind the Brumbies and Rebels. With only three finals spots up for grabs, the Reds had to beat the Rebels the next week at Suncorp if their finals chances were not to be seriously threatened.
Of the three major issues the Reds faced, their defence, was most vital, as its failure had resulted in a 33-point blowout against the Waratahs. The foundations were there, as demonstrated by the gritty two-point loss against the Brumbies in which no tries were allowed through that didn’t result from a penalty and a rolling maul.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Reds coach Brad Thorn stated after the Waratahs match that the loss was primarily in execution, emphasising missed first-up tackles, so rejuvenating confidence in the Reds defence would have been a priority at training that week.
The second issue was that the Reds penalty count has been intransigent throughout the season. The Rebels do not have a renowned rolling maul like the Brumbies, so while effort to reduce penalties is important, this may have been afforded it less priority than defence.
The final issue, the lineout, has also been intransigent and was costing the Reds attacking opportunities and creating vulnerabilities to counterattack from stolen lineouts. Like the penalty count, the lineout could only be improved over time.
The Reds game plan was clearly aimed at addressing these issues by maximising the effectiveness of their defence and minimise their weakness in the lineout. The major feature was a kicking game that where possible avoided lineouts altogether.
They seldom kicked for touch, used contestable high kick and long kicks to the centre of the field and did not attempt to force the opposition into making touch finders. They were daring the Rebels to attack their well-set defence and had selected dual openside flankers to maximise the chances of a turnover.
Finally, when the Rebels were penalised in the Reds half, the Reds opted to attack from a scrum, further reducing risks associated with a lineout.
This plan got the Reds past the Rebels banana skin without a slip-up, with the Reds needing to throw only seven own lineouts, of which they won five. Their defence held the Rebels scoreless in the second half despite the Reds having only 12 per cent of the possession and six per cent of the territory.
The two most important aspects of this critical game for the Reds is that it has rejuvenated their confidence in defence while buying them time to work on their lineouts and discipline. That this is working was demonstrated the following week against the Western Force, against whom Reds starting hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa hit 13 out of 15 of his lineouts, a rate of nearly 90 per cent, compared to the 70 per cent strike rate that he had in previous games.
Notably late in the game the Reds elected to take a lineout for one of their penalties instead of a scrum, which indicates that they do not intend to shirk from this vital aspect of the game.
The Reds face the Brumbies on 5 September and possibly again in the finals. While the Brumbies have a reputation as being a team that likes to maul, the Brumbies proved that they can play a wide running game as well just last week, with their 31 to 12 defeat of the Waratahs. So the Reds are going to need to be able to counter the Brumbies whether they play tight or wide.
Kicking the Brumbies the ball and defending like they did against the Rebels will not cut it. Let them into your half and they will draw penalties and score tries off their lineout, be it from a rolling maul or a backline move. To beat them the Reds have to win the battle of territory and possession and have to score tries, with winning lineouts and keeping penalties down being critical.
The clever game planning to win the Rebels game that kept the Reds season alive, buying their time to work on their lineout and discipline, may turn out to be a key factor in deciding the winner of Super Rugby AU.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.