None of what is happening this year is a surprise. This is what comes from papering over large cracks with positive assessments of clear failings and talking (and writing) in endless, meaningless words designed to deflect criticism.
The team has been set up to fail through mis-management and a lack of integrity. A 'world wide search for a coach', what an utter shambles. Supporters and players were treated like mugs and this has destroyed whatever goodwill exisited.
The players out there last night tried their very, very best, but, in all but a few cases, are simply not up to Super Rugby standard. That's not to say they mightn't be in the future, but they aren't now.
The fact they are out there is a failure at all levels of the orgainisation, but mostly the coach.
The Reds needed a 10 desperately this year and instead signed an average quality (despite the hype in this forum about his abilities) 15.
Why was this? To sell memberships and jerseys to Japanese rugby fans - what a giggle. It's like a political party signing up a 'celebrity candidate'.
In nearly all cases over the last few years the Reds have replaced departing seasoned professionals with hopeful club players (most of them inexperienced) and these are the results.
Richard Graham's sacking is now guaranteed but the turnaround of this ship will take time.
If there can be a some moments of clarity and 'whole sight' in the next few weeks at Clyde Road, it'll at least signal that mistakes have been acknowledged, real responsibility has been taken, and that these mistakes will not be repeated.
We all wait like expectant fathers': it won't be long now.