Qld Reds v Fiji Drua Sun 19-3-23

[Misunderstood fan]

I doesn't need to be complex. I'd like to see a straight swap (at this stage) of JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) and Lynagh. After that Vunivalu comes on for whoever most needs the break between Jock, Daugunu, Petaia.

If Lynagh comes on then JOC (James O'Connor) could move to 12 depending on how Annan is travelling.

 

[dru]

If Lynagh comes on then JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) could move to 12 depending on how Annan is travelling.

Yes of course. As I said it doesn't have to be so complex. JOC (James O'Connor) is on the return. I'd be looking at giving him 50mins or so. Yes that means Annan has to last 80, most likely.

 

[The Nomad]

I doesn't need to be complex. I'd like to see a straight swap (at this stage) of JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) and Lynagh. After that Vunivalu comes on for whoever most needs the break between Jock, Daugunu, Petaia.

Yep a straight swap would ideal, but the Reds have proven life in rugby is rarely simple. More concerned about what might happen at 12 to be honest, as in a forced sub.
Either of Lynagh/Annan or Lynagh/JOC (James O'Connor) as a defending combination rings a few alarm bells.

 

[Adam84]

Not sold on Annan starting just yet, talented but physically a bit undercooked still like Lynagh.

Isaac Henry cant catch a break on the injury front

 

[LeCheese]

Isaac Henry cant catch a break on the injury front

Silver lining I see is that it wasn't another soft tissue leg injury.

 

[SouthernX]

Annan will be the first person to come off… unless he plays house down. Nothing I’ve seen in his limited minutes with reds so far suggest he’s going to have a breakout game… but good luck to the young man. He’s shown a bit of position versatility over at Easts before his switch to Souths

 

[Adam84]

He played quite well off the bench in the trial match against NSW that i watched, but loked physically outmatched against the Hurricanes off the bench Rd1

 

[liquor box]

I find the odds for this game interesting, I know odds are based on the betting agencies not losing money and not on actual chances but it seems many are worried about our chances, the Reds are paying $1.14 and the Drua $5.50 and the line has the Reds at -13.5

It appears that the Reds are strong favourites

 

[Confucius Say]

Despite the odds, the Drua are a massive physical challenge this Sunday. The heat won’t bother them. QLD have a young and inexperienced centre pairing and Mick Byrne is a much better skills coach. Lomani is playing his best rugby ever.

But with O’Connor and Campbell back, the Reds will win in the last quarter.

 

[emuarse]

Despite the odds, the Drua are a massive physical challenge this Sunday. The heat won’t bother them. QLD have a young and inexperienced centre pairing and Mick Byrne is a much better skills coach. Lomani is playing his best rugby ever.

But with O’Connor and Campbell back, the Reds will win in the last quarter.

I'm thinking the Reds outside backs will burn Fiji then

 

[Marce]

What kind of centre is Taj Annan? I didn't see too much about him TBH

 

[Brumbieman]

I think QLD are missing an opportunity by classifying JOC (James O'Connor) as a flyhalf - him or Lynagh at 10.

Why not both? JOC (James O'Connor) has mostly played as a winger/fullback/inside centre - his time spent at flyhalf is minimal over his whole career.

QLD could still have Lynagh at 10, with JOC (James O'Connor) at either 12/13. I’ve thought JOC (James O'Connor)’s best position is 13 for ten years - Conrad Smith style playmaker in the wide channels.

Lynagh
Paisami
JOC (James O'Connor)

that’s one hell of a midfield....

 

[TSR]

We have Paisami, Flook and Henry as first choice centre options. At the moment we just need someone to provide injury cover there.

We could play O’Connor there, but it would be stop gap. Which could be fine, but I have no issues with Thorn blooding the next in line. Annan will have experienced players around which should help. It appears to me Thorn is attempting to keep players in their preferred position rather than shuffle them too much which seems a good move.

After a couple of weeks starting I think it’ll be good for Lynagh to come off the bench for a period and get some more experienc via being a finisher.

 

[Sully]

I think QLD are missing an opportunity by classifying JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) as a flyhalf - him or Lynagh at 10.

Why not both? JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) has mostly played as a winger/fullback/inside centre - his time spent at flyhalf is minimal over his whole career.

QLD could still have Lynagh at 10, with JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) at either 12/13. I’ve thought JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor)’s best position is 13 for ten years - Conrad Smith style playmaker in the wide channels.

Lynagh
Paisami
JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor)

that’s one hell of a midfield....

I completely agree that 13 was great for O'Connor but I'm not sure he can still do it.

 

[Misunderstood fan]

What kind of centre is Taj Annan? I didn't see too much about him TBH

Not sure. He looked to be ok in the pre-season and academy games. Not really a standout but has the height and weight on his side for a young centre. No doubt JOC (James O'Connor) will choose to include him if he’s doing alright.

 

[Marce]

Not sure. He looked to be ok in the pre-season and academy games. Not really a standout but has the height and weight on his side for a young centre. No doubt JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) will choose to include him if he’s doing alright.

Characteristics? Is he a playmaker? A strong ball carrier?

 

[RugbyReg]

Playmaker. He is a 10 and 15 too.

 

[Adam84]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1636876568546115585

 

[Wilson]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1636876568546115585

Now confirmed out

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1636885329893539840

 

[Adam84]

Shame for Jordy, not the worst disruption otherwise with Jock at fullback and Vuli to the wing.

interested to see Grealy given some time, he has been buying his time in Prems and Reds academy matches. He now needs to grab the opportunity if it presents.