Super Rugby 2023 Rd 1 - Reds v Hurricanes

[dru]

He missed a cover tackle on the Canes 13, that's true, so did McDermott

But previously he bought down a rampaging Ardie Savea front on. His defence will be just fine.

I thought Lynagh had a good game, but look, espn scrum stats has him for 3 tackles and 4 misses. Noting that he was being protected in D (which is appropriate). The effort up front did nothing to help the guy, but he does need to build up more. Playing him is a risk, perhaps one that makes sense. But I'd probably be looking at Creighton next time.

 

[Wilson]

That was pretty disappointing overall. The weakness up front was understandable and somewhat unavoidable given the injuries (though I still expect more from those props), but the discipline issue really gets to me. I think in part I was hopeful they would be turning it around after listening to Ryan Smith's podcast and him talking about the focus Blake was putting on it in defence but there was no evidence of it in this game. If we can't turn it around I'm not sure any other changes we make will matter.

 

[Sully]

Well I'm pissed off. Another season has started but the Reds are doing the exact same shit as last year.
Two sin bins and a second half fade? I've seen this show and the sequels.

 

[Qldtragic]

It's part of a cunning plan...

North Shore Mafia at work

 

[Qldtragic]

Angus Gardner almost seems to try let non Australians team get away with more than Australians team so to not appear bias.

I wonder what card number his membership to the North Shore Mafia is?

 

[Qldtragic]

A few observations / questions - why is a NZ team finishing full of running in NQ when the Reds have had an off season in Qld summer and look out in their feet? Why is it Reds have front rowers on contracts that struggle in Prem rugby yet are expected to scrum against superior props in S Rugby??

There are a few in Prem rugby that are worth watching / considering. But alas we rarely see the Reds hierarchy out at local games these days. Rely too heavily on player managers sending in highlight clips for their recruitment advice.

 

[Qldtragic]

What was the crowd. Looked disappointing for opening game.

The back room at Reds Rugby will be disappointed for sure given all the effort and marketing that has been put into townsville and NQ.

 

[Qldtragic]

Our rugby teams are so focused on making our guys ‘big’ they sometimes forget that aerobic capacity underpins an 80 minute game of running.

look at the waratahs as proof of this.

 

[Viking]

Positives for the Reds
Lynagh, good steady debut. Nice kicks.
McReight, never stops, 1,2 big moments
Wilson, big work rate

Negatives
Tight 5
Fitness

Really surprising fitness is an issue with a Thorne coached side. I am really doubting his coaching ability each year.

 

[brokendown]

fitness the responsibility of the head coach,?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

At the end of the day yes. He employs them and would have meetings about how the S&C will be structured. Sure, he could be sold a lie, but we are talking about Brad Thorn who even though I'm very critical of his Rugby coaching has been in elite training for the best part of 30 years.

 

[Dctarget]

Didn't watch the game but saw that Daugunu got three breakdown turnovers. Such an underappreciated talent of his.

 

[Derpus]

Really surprising fitness is an issue with a Thorne coached side. I am really doubting his coaching ability each year.

I dont get this. Characterising a person's coaching ability by the way they played seems to be proven false consistently across all sports but people still do it constantly.

 

[Qldtragic]

I dont get this. Characterising a person's coaching ability by the way they played seems to be proven false consistently across all sports but people still do it constantly.

Most people have a strength in a niche.

Take Allan Jones for example was a phenomenal coach but not an exceptional player.

I fear we are sliding down a slippery slope when we use either of 1. Past performance in a different field or 2. Genetic connection as a selection criteria for an existing role.

 

[wamberal]

Jones was not a phenomenal coach. He was the first national coach (apart, maybe, from Dave Brockhoff) who was wealthy enough to make the national coaching position a full time occupation.

As a result he was able to put a lot of time in with the players. AFAIK he never played rugby, but he was a very gifted tennis player.

Up until Jones, the role was very much part-time.

 

[Qldtragic]

Jones was not a phenomenal coach. He was the first national coach (apart, maybe, from Dave Brockhoff) who was wealthy enough to make the national coaching position a full time occupation.

As a result he was able to put a lot of time in with the players. AFAIK he never played rugby, but he was a very gifted tennis player.

Up until Jones, the role was very much part-time.

Put together a Grand Slam so couldnt have been too much slouch.

 

[Derpus]

Also not really sure amateur era comparisons provide much value

 

[wamberal]

Put together a Grand Slam so couldnt have been too much slouch.

Look at the players he had available. Mark Ella and.........doesn't really matter who else.