They were, but they were also quick rucks and the ball wasn’t getting slowed down too much.
I actually thought that was a fair counter-ruck that one
I rather enjoyed the post game chat between Chieka and Thorn.. was interesting to get a little insight into their journeys and philosophies.
What is it about half backs on wings - fines on wing for Brumbies very good and now lomaniSome overall reflections on the game -
- the Reds seem to have reigned in their high offload game a bit and it is paying dividends. They are building their attack instead of really trying to press the point. Less razzle dazzle and more patience. Which is great.
- defence has been really strong. I know there was some commentary around the two tries off intercepts, but the Reds line speed was putting a lot of pressure on. It’ll be interesting how it goes next week against the Brumbies who are really good at working over defence systems
- Hegarty is a good choice at Fullback v the Rebels as they didn’t get ascendency in their kicking game. I’m guessing they’ll revert to Campbell next week but I thought Hegarty did well with his opportunity
- I expect Blyth to come back in next week, but Smith has done very well with his game time. Coaches always roll out the cliche that when you lose one player it creates an opportunity for another and all of the group of Blyth, Uru & Smith have done well in the opportunity afforded them. Uru the standout, but Blyth has become a consistent super rugby performer and Smith is a worth squad member
- I still think the Reds have another gear
Next week is a dangerous game. In one respect the result on Friday couldn’t have been worse. Brumbies still got the win but also a sizeable kick in the arse. I expect them to bounce back hard.
Which makes me nervous as a Reds fan - but hopefully as a rugby fan creates a lot of interest.
Edit: speaking of grabbing opportunities - how good was Frank Lomani!
And that’s meant to be his speciality, the not pretty in tight, hard yards. But he was outclassed by Kemney & Leota when he came on.
I reckon if he cut his hair he would be selected.
I continue to be amazed at just how good Hunter Paisami has become at 12 in under a year.
Question is for who? I have Wells, Hardwick & Kemney ahead of him and Wilkin when he’s fit.Leota I thought looked very good. Impressive involvements - could/should make the starting xv.
Valetini at his best is better than ASY (Angus Scott-Young), but ASY (Angus Scott-Young) is so much more consistent their typical game is probably very close to one another. That's been the issue with Valetini for like 3 years. He's got that potential, and you see flashes of it, but he's pretty average game in game out, especially big games he just goes missing.
Reds even still have a lot more to go, they weren't fully switch on, and completely switch off for like 20min when the Rebs fought back in. But you'd expect the Reds will trouble even the Crusaders. Stewart has to play 12 IMO. Dispite Hegarty playing very well here's a specialist player, I think hope they move Campbell back to 15 and they've got Droasese to come in, in addition to Daugunu.
Reds are scary!