Reds Coaching Team

[MrTimms]

There is an opportunity to put a question to each of the three Reds Coaches, Ewen, Matt Taylor and Jim McKay.

Probably only time for one question each.

What does everyone want to know?

Need this before 1pm today.

 

[RuckinGoodStats]

There is an opportunity to put a question to each of the three Reds Coaches, Ewen, Matt Taylor and Jim McKay.

Probably only time for one question each.

What does everyone want to know?

Need this before 1pm today.

What do they think are the key elements to the winning culture the Reds have developed?

 

[fatprop]

If you were an animal, what would you be?

 

[Scotty]

To me one of the clear weaknesses for the Reds against the Blues was retaining possession when attacking within the Blues 22. Sometimes they lost the ball at a lineout, but most often at the breakdown following a half break. In the final they will need to ensure they retain possession better, and take more points from trips into the opposition 22. Where do they think the Reds went wrong in this department and how can they improve on this against the Crusaders, who prove an even greater threat in this area?

 

[Empire]

I second ruckingoodstats question - changing the culture and facilitating the new found success.

 

[twenty seven]

Sunday Mail had a good article about Reds culture and what Link identified upon arrival that needed to be changed. Identified the things already in place and where improvements were needed.

 

[Gnostic]

To Link - Was there a "Eureka" moment in your coaching career since leaving the Tahs that has brought you to this point or just a gradual awakening, bearing in mind your recent newspaper articles where you speak about the concpets of fan engagement and Franchise Management type concepts?

(I understand that it is a team effort from the CEO down but much of these things were and still are missing from the Tahs - the contrast intrigues me).

With that in mind how has that shaped your apporach to coaching this side and thus the outcomes you have achieved?

 

[yourmatesam]

Ewen - How are you going to teach Quade Cooper to kick like Dan Carter between now and the Final??

 

[Zeno]

Inevitably some squad members go out of the 22 for injuries and form problems. When your guys make it back they seem to be immediately switched on and in sync with the players on the paddock. What's the trick to having them ready for high performance?

 

[hurge]

Matt Taylor- Has your influence within the Reds, been a reason to why so many TSS players, from when he was coaching there, are now in the team and squad?

 

[Tangawizi]

Lots has been said about how dominant the Crusaders forward pack was against the Stormers. How the fuck are you going to combat them up front (possibly family friendly version of that)

Or

Any special plans to expose the Crusaders defensively frail centre pairing?

 

[Braveheart.]

Jim McKay - Alot has been said about Quade Cooper's attack and the brilliant guidance of Will Genia - but there has been a number of unhearalded players fill in the other backline positions, Taps, Lance, Harris, Lucas, et al. If you were to single out one or two players, who is / are the unsung hero(s) of the backline.

Matt Taylor - It's been well known that Quade defends from fullback - partly because of perceived defensive frailities, partly because of his counter attaching skills. Robbie has said a number of times that he won't play Quade defensively from fullback. Putting Robbie Deans's shoes on: would play Quade at 10 or 15 in defence?

Ewen McKenzie - why can't you smile? Is it a genetic defect?

 

[RedsHappy]

Link: it appears that the Reds retain no specialist (place and from hand) kicking coach. If so, why not? And what player in the current squad is the back-up kicker to QC (Quade Cooper)?