Reds v Lions, Super Rugby Round 13 2012

[Tangawizi]

Strangely in 2012, the Reds are yet to hand out any of the good old fashioned spankings to a visiting side for which they've become renowned over the past couple of seasons.

Conversely, the Lions are yet to cop a good old fashioned spanking away from home of the type they've become renowned for since, well basically since the entered the comp.

With the Reds For/Against record still looking rather shoddy at -40 courtesy largely of a couple of unmentionable weekends in March the questions for this weekend are:

1. Is the Big Reds Car now firing on enough cylinders to get the F/A record back into positive territory in one foul swoop? Or

2. Can the Lions revive memories that many Reds fans have spent a long time in bars trying to destroy but somehow they just can't forget about the horror that unfolded before their eyes, and score an upset win at Suncorp like back in 2009?

 

[Blue]

Link to rest the stars. Lions to do a Rebels.

Nah.

 

[Sandpit Fan]

2. Can the Lions revive memories that many Reds fans have spent a long time in bars trying to destroy but somehow they just can't forget about the horror that unfolded before their eyes, and score an upset win at Suncorp like back in 2009?

Arrrrgggghhh. Stop right there - you have ruined a perfectly good recovery. Now I have to check how much beer is at home before I leave work. I'm going to blame tomorrows hangover on you

 

[gel]

If this season has taught anyone anything, it is that the cellar dwellers cannot be taken lightly and that a guaranteed win is not what it once was.

If the reds don't turn up for this one, then the lions will win.

It's so important that the reds do their best to eliminate their shocking points difference in in this game and the only way to do this is to play at an intensity like they did last half of last week. I hope the reds are up for it, for their title hopes sake.

Reds to win by 20+ if they show up.

 

[redstragic]

2. Can the Lions revive memories that many Reds fans have spent a long time in bars trying to destroy but somehow they just can't forget about the horror that unfolded before their eyes, and score an upset win at Suncorp like back in 2009?

I had repressed this and now that night is front and centre of my shame. I had taken some of my wife's visiting English rugby loving cousins. All I can remember after the game was them saying to me over and over "your Reds really are shit then" in their Brummy accents.

Boys take your intensity from the last 3 weeks into this and score a bag of tries. Reds to get the 5 points.

 

[The Red Baron]

The Reds can't afford to step of the gas 'just because it is the Lions'. Already this year we have seen the underdog get up numerous times, the most recent being our southern friends all the way down in Melbourne. You can't afford to underestimate any team in this comp, and I would be highly dissatisfied if the Reds do so this weekend.

I don't think they will though, but I also feel the match will be closer than we might think.

 

[tigerland12]

Wouldn't mind seeing Quirk, Wallace-Harrison ans S.Fainga'a start for this one.

 

[Jets]

I'd like the same team to start as last week. I don't think I'll get my wish as Daley is reportadley out with a shoulder injury and I would be happy to see one Q Cooper replace N Frisby on the bench.

 

[TheBigDog]

If Daley is out with a shoulder injury and Anae broke his arm playing club rugby on the weekend does that mean they'll have to bring in Sherpardson to the bench? Hopefully the Lions scrum isn't much chop...

 

[emuarse]

Link to rest the stars. Lions to do a Rebels.

Nah.

The Reds backs with the exception of Ginea have pretty well all had a rest through injury, so I don't see any alternatives running on there.
In the forwards, I think Horwell was rested for part of the last game so he will play from the start again, but will be rested into the second half.
The loose forwards with the exception of Higgers have been rotating. Higgers will probably be rested for the second half if the Reds are well ahead by then.
Possibly Sai Fingaa will be in the run on team resting Hanson. I see that Albert Anae got a season ending injury in a club game last weekend.
So Another extended squad hooker is going to be required - I wonder who?

 

[tranquility]

Aidan Toua would be close to fit I would have thought...

Would love to see Quirky get a start..

 

[liquor box]

I dont think there is any chance of resting players, I think it is possible to rest some good players and still expect to get a win, but to rest players and risk not getting a bonus point isa step too far.

Wins are simply not good enough, if you want to rest players then only do it after the 4th try is scored, no earlier

 

[Penguin]

They have two more games until a 5 week break, apart from those selected for the Wallabies, and one exhibition match to keep the fires stoked, they can have a bloody rest then! Bonus point win by plenty is required for this match.

 

[trophyhunter]

The Reds need to come out all guns blazing and secure a bp win. There is a nice rest coming up for the majority of the squad. A few of the backs have had a good rest of late through injury anyway.

Link needs to send a solid team out, get the job done, once thing's look good, by all means give everyone a run.

The Reds for and against needs help and more bonus points are not going to hurt either!

 

[No4918]

Ten news reporting Cooper set for a return this weekend and will come straight back into 10. Just needs to pass a contact session this week.

 

[Sully]

Link saying he's not likely to play.

 

[liquor box]

Ten news reporting Cooper set for a return this weekend and will come straight back into 10. Just needs to pass a contact session this week.

I thought they had to train a full session on Monday to be availiable, or are there special exemptions for some players?

I hope he is back!

 

[Ignoto]

Ten news reporting Cooper set for a return this weekend and will come straight back into 10. Just needs to pass a contact session this week.

Do not want!!!! I'd much prefer Quade to play three or four games for souths and get his confidence up and come back at the end of June.

There's absolutely no rush for him to come back this week especially with no game time under his belt

 

[TheBigDog]

I agree that Quade shouldn't be rushed back but I don't think he needs to play three or four club games. A player like himself doesn't lack confidence and wouldn't take the field unless 100% fit.

If he's ready to go this weekend then hopefully they stick him on the bench and give him 20mins at the end of the game or something. Not trying to take the Lions too lightly but it wouldn't be a bad team to make comeback against as they aren't exactly top tier.

 

[No4918]

Fox reporting it as unlikely with a return for the game vs Hurricanes in June as likely. Who the hell knows.

Good for ticket sales this weekend though.