Reds vs Sharks Rnd 4 2012

[Scotty]

I'm not sold on the idea of Rocket at the back, but that is not the big issue as far as I'm concerned. We really need the pigs to stand up this week.

There could be two ways to look at the forward contest. we could either:

a) attempt to match the Sharks up front, by running on with our largest pack - This plays to the Sharks strengths, or

b) have a mobile pack that runs the big Sharks forwards ragged. - This would usually play to our strengths.

Unfortunately, if we go with a more mobile pack, we will get hammered at the set piece, judging on our performances so far. Our backs also haven't quite gelled yet, the ball doesn't seem to be getting wide enough quick enough. For that reason, I agree with some of the suggestions here. Lucas at 10, Taps and Diggers in the centres and Harris at the back. If we can effectively counterattack the Sharks from the back, we could open the game up.

But we really need parity at the breakdown and set piece.

I suspect we will go for option a) to start, and option b) in the last 20.

 

[suckerforred]

What I find perplexing in much of these negative prognoses is that in early 2011 we had a very mediocre start to the season, an awful loss to the Tahs, tiny win v Force, an easy 'nothing' win over the then hapless Rebels and a tryless v close win over the Brumbies. Many observers then stated that our promise from 2010 wasn't being fulfilled in 2011.

This year we all seemed to assume that if the Reds did not immediately repeat the 'best peak form of any 2011 game they played', and even though we are way better at winning everything we've played at this stage of the comp than last year, disaster is soon bound to strike.

This team is, as per last year's later stages, 'finding a way to win', so far, every time. The mark of a fundamentally good team. Give me that any day over beautifully played losses where the crowd was dazzled, and we were 'unlucky' to lose.

I don't disagree with you here RH, but I am still feeling uncomfortable. Yep we are in a better position then we were last year, but last year we were showing some improvement each week. I guess we will have to wait and see, but my issue is that the boys will need to pick themselves up a notch or two or we will be back from SA with a 3-2 record rather then the 5-0 that would be nice.

 

[Troy]

I'm not too concerned about the last the game. I think we're on track. The Reds already had one foot on the plane last Sat night, they were already in Durban!

As for the conditions - they won't be a problem either. Durban & Brisbane have exactly the same climate.

The only thing that could slow us down will be the Jet Slag!

Reds will take this and deny the Sharks a bonus point!

 

[Brisbok]

I'm not too concerned about the last the game. I think we're on track. The Reds already had one foot on the plane last Sat night, they were already in Durban!

As for the conditions - they won't be a problem either. Durban & Brisbane have exactly the same climate.

The only thing that could slow us down will be the Jet Slag!

Reds will take this and deny the Sharks a bonus point!

Love the confidence! If you are responding to my original post re: conditions - I agree, Durban and Brisbane do have similar climates. One point of difference though is that the games generally kick off at 3pm or 5pm local time in Durban, whereas they kick off no earlier than 6.30pm in Brisbane and usually a little later. So the conditions are not exactly the same and probably a bit warmer in Durban at the time the games are played.

Besides, from the two games played in Brisbane so far, there was one try scored last weekend and 4 tries scored vs the Force (2 each). This possibly has something to do with the weather at this time of year, but also to do with the focus on defence in the initial stages of the season (as Link has noted in some of his recent columns written for Rugbyheaven).

Perhaps I should have further clarified my point by saying I don't expect there to be too many tries scored and I would be very surprised if either of the teams gets a 4 try bonus point.

 

[tigerland12]

I can see this game being an arm-wrestle where no tries are scored. A score-line of 15-12 would be my guess, but to which side I still have no idea.

If Deysel and Alberts are both starting that is a big task for the Reds backrowers to handle, those two are two of the best ball running forwards in South Africa at the moment.

 

[Blue]

I'm not sold on the idea of Rocket at the back, but that is not the big issue as far as I'm concerned. We really need the pigs to stand up this week.

There could be two ways to look at the forward contest. we could either:

a) attempt to match the Sharks up front, by running on with our largest pack - This plays to the Sharks strengths, or

b) have a mobile pack that runs the big Sharks forwards ragged. - This would usually play to our strengths.

Unfortunately, if we go with a more mobile pack, we will get hammered at the set piece, judging on our performances so far. Our backs also haven't quite gelled yet, the ball doesn't seem to be getting wide enough quick enough. For that reason, I agree with some of the suggestions here. Lucas at 10, Taps and Diggers in the centres and Harris at the back. If we can effectively counterattack the Sharks from the back, we could open the game up.

But we really need parity at the breakdown and set piece.

Big Sharks pack? Where did you get that? I love this carry on about "big South African packs" when for years the SA packs have been the same size as everybody else except for one or two big lumps. Too much Phil Kearns carry on about "big forwards" and too little looking at the typical pack weights.

The Sharks have the smallest pack I have ever seen from Durban.tthe props at about 105 to 110 and the locks around the 114 mark. Daniel and Coetzee are small for South African loose forwards.

Chadwick 105 according to Supersport
Bismarck 111
Herbst 114 - Supersport had him at 107 and he looks about that
Skeate 114 - he looks more like 99 to me
Sykes 114 - plays like he weighs 80

Alberts is 119 - a loose forward is the heaviest in the pack.

I have no doubt that the Reds starting pack is heavier by some bit.

As for how to play them? Force their backs in to errors, nullify the drive, throw bodies at the contact point. If they can't cross the advantage line with their ball runners they have no plan B. At least not so far this year.

Deysel faces a fitness test and should start off the bench. Plumtree will want pace against the Reds. He won't play his two heffalumps together.

 

[Troy]

Love the confidence! If you are responding to my original post re: conditions - I agree, Durban and Brisbane do have similar climates. One point of difference though is that the games generally kick off at 3pm or 5pm local time in Durban, whereas they kick off no earlier than 6.30pm in Brisbane and usually a little later. So the conditions are not exactly the same and probably a bit warmer in Durban at the time the games are played.

Besides, from the two games in Brisbane there was one try scored last weekend and 4 tries scored vs the Force (2 each). This possibly has something to do with the weather at this time of year, but also to do with the focus on defence in the initial stages of the season (as Link has noted in some of his recent columns written for Rugbyheaven).

Perhaps I should have further clarified my point by saying I don't expect there to be too many tries scored and I would be very suprprised if either of the teams gets a 4 try bonus point.

I also don't think 4 tries will be scored - rather that the Sharks will lose by more than 7...

 

[tigerland12]

Blue, any idea why Jannie du Plessis hasn't started yet this season?

 

[Ignoto]

I agree, Durban and Brisbane do have similar climates. One point of difference though is that the games generally kick off at 3pm or 5pm local time in Durban, whereas they kick off no earlier than 6.30pm in Brisbane and usually a little later. So the conditions are not exactly the same and probably a bit warmer in Durban at the time the games are played.

I don't think the players will be that against playing on a late afternoon considering they would more than likely have training around 3 - 6pm normally? A lot of them would have grown up playing games (through School and Club) that play at that time in any event ie First XV's kick off at 3PM same with Premier grade.

Looking at when the left (appears none of them slept Saturday night and stayed up to sleep on the flight), they should have hopefully overcome jetlag nice and early into the week.

 

[Brisbok]

Just to clarify, I wasn't suggesting that the conditions would favour one team over the other, nor that one team would be more used to it than the other. I was merely pointing out that in general, games played in Durban at this time of year are often scrappy affairs with a lot of dropped ball etc.

 

[The Red Baron]

Going on the weights from the starting 8 for both teams from last week, The Reds concede 5kg to the sharks. So the Reds are not heavier by some bit.

However, I will eat my words regarding the 'big Sharks forwards'. Weight wise, both packs seem to be on par. This doesn't detract from the fact that the Reds forwards need to stand up, regardless of the game plan. Much like what you said in regards to the contact point there blue. Just don't compare me to Kearnsy!

The Sharks website have Daniel billed as 94kg. Liam Gill is billed to be heavier, at 96kg, I found that quite interesting.

 

[Blue]

Blue, any idea why Jannie du Plessis hasn't started yet this season?

I can't find any statement by the coaching staff. I can only assume that they are easing him in? He'll probably get more game time as the season wears on. Maybe one of the other Dutchmen on here know something.

 

[Troy]

I can't find any statement by the coaching staff. I can only assume that they are easing him in? He'll probably get more game time as the season wears on. Maybe one of the other Dutchmen on here know something.

Doubt any of the Dutchies would know...best ask a soutpeel..

 

[Brisbok]

Only thing I remember remember reading before the Stormers game was:

“We wanted to give Wiehahn Herbst an opportunity on the tighthead. He’s had a really good pre-season and he deserves a chance. It’s the same with Ross Skeate who comes in to the second row.” - Plumtree

http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global[_id]=77553

Jannie hasn't been able to regain his starting position since that game. Not sure if Jannie has fallen out of favour or if Plum is easing him into the season. I guess time will tell.

 

[suckerforred]

Bit of Jim Tucker fluff.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport.../story-fnbzn566-1226297555412?from=public_rss

Good to see Link has faith.....

 

[Jets]

St.George Queensland Reds launch ‘Reds for Africa’ charity initiative​

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Australian building and hardware specialist Stratco will donate $2000 for every try the St.George Queensland Reds score during their tour of South Africa as part of Queensland Rugby’s Reds For Africa charity campaign in support of World Vision Australia.
The Reds will also auction their specially-designed African themed charity jerseys which the team will wear when playing the Sharks in Durban and Bulls in Pretoria over the next two weeks.

Reds star Quade Cooper, lock Adam Wallace-Harrison and prop Kevin Davis launched the joint charity initiative at Australia Zoo on Tuesday and officially unveiled the unique cheetah print design.
The funds raised during the Reds For Africa campaign will go towards World Vision’s Water for the World program in Burundi, located in Eastern Africa, and also assist in raising awareness for the cause.

Stratco, also a partner of World Vision, is also generously donating their back-of-jersey logo space to the charitable organisation as a way of further supporting the campaign.
Water for the World was founded in 2006 by Stratco as a way of improving access to clean water for communities in developing countries.
The program resulted in Stratco partnering with World Vision in 2007 to further support successful water projects in the Solomon Islands, Zambia, Tanzania and now Burundi.
The Reds for Africa campaign is a continuation of the previously successful Goats for Africa initiative run by Queensland Rugby during previous tours to South Africa in 2010 and 2011, where more than $18,000 was raised courtesy of the support given by sponsors and fans.
Reds supporters are again being encouraged to get behind the campaign by either donating funds directly to the Reds for Africa campaign or by purchasing one of 22 jerseys worn by the Reds on their tour, which will be signed by the respective player to wear the jersey before being auctioned online.

The Reds are targeting $2500 from supporter contributions alone with $60 raised seeing one clean drinking water module going to World Vision’s Water for the World Burundi program.
To donate funds visit the Reds Everyday Hero Page here - http://www.everydayhero.com.au/QLDReds_Stratco.
All proceeds from the auction will assist World Vision’s Water for the World Burundi program.
Reds captain James Horwill said the Reds for Africa initiative would provide further motivation for the team on tour.
“We’ve received enormous amounts of positive feedback for the charity initiatives we’ve run in the past while in Africa and we’re hoping fans will again jump on board and support the Reds For Africa campaign,” Horwill said.
“These next two games in South Africa are integral to our 2012 campaign and we’ll be aiming to do our part alongside Stratco by scoring as many tries as possible. The money raised will make a real difference to local communities and $2000 can mean clean drinking water for 100 households.
“It’s a great cause and there is extra incentive amongst the group to do well knowing we can help raise money and awareness for World Vision’s water projects in Burundi.”
As a proud sponsor of the Queensland Reds and a loyal supporter of World Vision, Stratco saw an opportunity to connect the two. Through this latest effort, Stratco Marketing Manger Shane Jones feels they will be able to promote and raise awareness of Water for the World to a much wider audience.
“We felt this new initiative was a fun way to support World Vision’s water project in Burundi and at the same time engage both Queensland Reds players and fans,” Mr Jones said.
“Over the last four years Stratco have donated over $127,000 to World Vision’s Water projects. With the Reds incredible try-scoring form last season, we hope these games provide another great opportunity for Stratco to support World Vision’s work.”
World Vision Australia CEO Reverend Tim Costello is excited about the Reds’ prospects in this upcoming season and feels there is no better time to be raising awareness around water projects in Africa.
“In August last year I visited drought affected communities in Africa. The effect of the failing rains was devastating, causing crops and livestock to die and people to flee their homes in search of food and water,” Rev Costello said.
“Water projects like the one supported through Water for the World in Burundi are essential in assisting poor communities gain access to clean water. These projects provide communities with the right tools to respond to drought.
“Rugby is a global sport that unites nations. History has shown us the impact Rugby has had in bringing people together in South Africa. I see this initiative with the Queensland Reds as another great way that Rugby can affect social change.​

“We thank Stratco for their ongoing support and for developing this exciting concept, and we hope the Reds score a lot of tries on this tour,” he said.​

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/NewsEvents/NewsArticles/tabid/581/ArticleID/5706/Default.aspx

 

[PaarlBok]

Only thing I remember remember reading before the Stormers game was:

http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global[_id]=77553

Jannie hasn't been able to regain his starting position since that game. Not sure if Jannie has fallen out of favour or if Plum is easing him into the season. I guess time will tell.

Easing him back but then I aint a soutpeel.

Only one thing that worry me from the Sharks for this match is that they will go on tour and usually they wont put in a 100%. Still think they will be more then good enough to put away the Reds with ease. They simply cant afford to drop their last home game.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

What I find perplexing in much of these negative prognoses is that in early 2011 we had a very mediocre start to the season, an awful loss to the Tahs, tiny win v Force, an easy 'nothing' win over the then hapless Rebels and a tryless v close win over the Brumbies. Many observers then stated that our promise from 2010 wasn't being fulfilled in 2011.

This year we all seemed to assume that if the Reds did not immediately repeat the 'best peak form of any 2011 game they played', and even though we are way better at winning everything we've played at this stage of the comp than last year, disaster is soon bound to strike.

This team is, as per last year's later stages, 'finding a way to win', so far, every time. The mark of a fundamentally good team. Give me that any day over beautifully played losses where the crowd was dazzled, and we were 'unlucky' to lose.

This is what happens when you are the current champs, expectations rise. It's only natural.

I agree with you though, winning ugly in the early part of the season is fine given there is time to develop in the later rounds. People need to be patient.

IMO, perhaps stating the obvious but both the Reds & my own team need our regular fly halves back ASAP (obviously only if 100% fit), this is despite the fact that I think Tyler & Harris have done a pretty good job for both the Saders & Reds respectively. In an additional note on Harris I agree with others who say he should occupy the 15 jersey on Quades return, his goal kicking is too valuable.

I'm actually leaning toward the Sharks for this one, & the week after the Bulls as well. This is based on the Reds current form, they are in with a shot if they lift a gear or two. I don't believe any loses in the next two rounds from the Reds would be a major concern at this stage though.

Just saw the Reds Cheetah pattern jersey on Fox Sports - I like it!

 

[Sandpit Fan]

The more cynical amongst us may be thinking that this tour won't cost Stratco too much if they are only contributing for tries. Perhaps they should revamp it to penalties kicked successfully.

 

[Tangawizi]

Reds will win this - Sharks will be too busy laughing at those jerseys to tackle them.......