Not only do you need it for entertainment value, you also need it to be successful in Super Rugby. I believe they go hand and hand at this level. Watching a number of NZ derbies this year, the quality of the rugby is on another level. The phase play stretches 4-5 mins of fast, skillful attacking play, going at it like you just don't see with Aussie sides. I get that the Reds new 'identity' is the scrum (Slipper and Simmons plastered over Ballymore HQ), but seriously when this strategy was formulated, did they even think about how successful Super teams play? RG's last presser after the Force loss where he and Simmons were completely devoid of ideas and stunned that no points or 'cards' came from scrum dominance summarised how warped the thinking had become.
Tahs showed against the Chiefs how you have to play and it was like watching a new team.
I've said it a million times, the Reds set-piece reliance is not a successful long term gameplan, it soaks up clock and does not promote the game well. The players end up unfit from standing around all the time. The last 20 of nearly every game this year has been appalling (blame the bench if you want, but you don't have 15 replacements coming on).
The financial woes are a symptom of an organisation that has not had any accountability, and are now paying for it. This is supposed to be a professional sports team in a results-driven business. I can't fathom how this has been allowed to continue for 3 years. I feel like private owners would not have allowed this to get this far.
Hopefully the new CEO has a vision for Queensland rugby and is willing to make the tough calls in order to get there. Coaching staff is critical. Recruitment decisions that align with the style of play rather than cheap short term marketing ploys. On-field success (challenging for the title) will only be possible once the mentality changes and all supporting functions align with the vision (that is built on proven success).
