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A week’s a long time in footy. Just ask Brad Thorn and the Queensland Reds.
Embarrassed in the second-half against the Hurricanes to heap more pressure on Thorn’s side, the Reds responded by smashing Simon Cron’s Western Force side that were coming off just their second first-up victory in their history.
After running in four first-half tries to open up a 29-13 lead at half time, the Reds turned it on in the second-half by running in six second-half tries to rack up their highest score in a Super Rugby match, winning 71-20 winners in Melbourne to end Super Round.
“Bang on, it is. Obviously pleased with the result and for the guys going on with it and whatnot but a week ago we were hurting around the score,” Thorn said.
“It just shows you the game, and what’s great about the game, you’ve got a week later that you can to turn that around. We needed a response, and the guys did that in spades today.”
Josh Flook scored twice against the Force in Melbourne. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Cron described the match as a “car crash” as the wheels fell off after an excellent try-saving tackle from Tom Lynagh early in the second half denied Bayley Kuenzle just short of the line.
“Sometimes if you’re off by 10 per cent at Super Rugby it can look like a car crash, and that’s what I saw today,” Cron said.
The Reds had far too much class for their opponents, with back-rowers Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson starring alongside a lethal backline that was led by fly-half Lynagh and fullback Jordan Petaia.
Cross-code winger Suliasi Vunivalu had a strong second half that started with beautiful line off Lynagh, before firing a lovely cut-out pass to send Filipo Daugunu over.
Vunivalu then did it all himself, scoring a runaway intercept to blow out the score in the second half.
Along the way the 27-year-old, who fired a shot at former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie ahead of his return, sent shivers down the spine of Thorn and Eddie Jones after appearing to injure himself when striding out. But those fears were eased when he continued to play on, before he was replaced and spent the final quarter of the match smiling on the sidelines.
The match also saw the returns of Wallabies backs Jock Campbell and James O’Connor, with the duo making impressive second-half cameos.
O’Connor, particularly, looked sharp as he took control and showed off his impressive array of skills and short kicks.
Co-captain Liam Wright also played his first match of the season, scoring a late try and getting through plenty of work across the park.
Thorn now has a selection headache.
While the Reds are still razor thin in the tight five due to key injuries to Taniela Tupou, Josh Nasser, Harry Hoopert, Angus Blyth and Luke Jones, it’s better news elsewhere and the emergence of Lynagh is perhaps the most pleasing of the lot.
Jordan Petaia delivered his best performance in the No.15 jersey for the Reds. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
In the past three years it’s been O’Connor or bust, but Lynagh’s silky skills and courageous defensive efforts in the last line presents Thorn with another option.
Not even 20, Lynagh doesn’t yet have the durability to play week-in, week-out, but his commanding effort against the Force could see Thorn stick with another week.
“No, I’m not surprised by it. I’m pleased by it,” Thorn said.
“I’ve had belief in him. You’ll probably get sick of hearing me, but a 17-year-old comes across the other side of the world, with a pretty heavy last name and grits his teeth.
“I think one month in he did an arm camp, he’d come from living in London and he’s got people yelling and whatever, the heat, and there’s cultural differences. I just held that in high regard. You can’t not have a bit of respect for someone who’s back themselves.
“He played a trial game at the start of last year against the Force. He played half a game, he played well. He’s a quieter guy, he’s unassuming. But he gets stuff done now and he’s doing really well.
“It was great to see James back as well. It’s been a while coming and he was pretty excited out there at the end. Nothing but positive. You’ve got an older guy with a younger guy which is good as well.”
On a hot, humid afternoon before the clouds rolled in, the Reds burst out of the blocks against a sleepy Force side.
The Reds looked like they’d scored early through the impressive Josh Flook, but the outside centre’s foot touched the white chalk as he touched down.
It didn’t matter. Ryan Smith scored in tight after six minutes and after a wonderful kick, which produced a freak bounce, Jordan Petaia had the Reds’ second try just seconds later.
The Force steadied the ship when Zach Kibirige scored after 10 minutes and a penalty to Bryce Hegarty cut the margin to six points.
But a Lynagh penalty and Harry Wilson helped the Reds extend their lead, before the No.8 was shown a yellow card after a series of penalties.
Folau Fainga’a then scored to keep the Force in touch. Unfortunately, their comeback didn’t last long as Flook scored to give the Reds the ascendency in the second half.
A brilliant try-saver from Lynagh then turned the game as the playmaker brought down a barnstorming Bayley Kuenzle.
Suliasi Vunivalu (R) scared fans and Wallabies coach Eddie Jones as he pulled up lame in the process of scoring a try, but the code-hopper had a strong return for the Reds. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Matt Faessler’s try consolidated the Reds’ lead, before Vunivalu burst onto a sublime ball from Lynagh who then sent his wing teammate Daugunu in.
Vunivalu then did it all himself, running the length of the field to score – and, in the process, leaving the entire crowd holding their breath.
More pain was in store for the Force, as flanker Ollie Callan had his yellow card upgraded to a red for a front-on tackle on Daugunu that saw their heads collide.
Wright then had his own moment to celebrate as he crossed, too.
Replacement Force back-rower Jackson Pugh scored a try, before he too was shown a yellow card.
The Reds capitalised on the numerical advantage, as Daugunu and Flook each scored their second tries to make it a bloodbath.
So good news for the Reds. But, for both teams, they will know you’re only as good as your last week.
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.