In a week when there was nothing but bad news for the Reds, a very sizeable rainbow has appeared with their unlikely win over the Chiefs. To say this is the end of the storm clouds for the Reds is an over-statement but it would seem the worst of the foul weather (on-field at least) might now be a thing of the past.
The Reds displayed the kind of resolve reserved only for the best teams and fought their way back from the abyss as the Chiefs skipped merrily to a 15-0 lead after only 20-odd minutes. In fact, the only thing going right for the Reds was that Stephen Donald had a serious case of kicking yips and had missed all three conversions as well as a penalty.
A royal pantsing was in the offing at that stage, and, mug punters like me were sitting smugly in the knowledge their predictions were on the money. But from then on, the game changed and the Chiefs only scored a further three points for the rest of the match.
What happened was the Reds finally got their hands on the ball and played keepings off the Chiefs who lacked the concentration to defend for extended periods. The simple game plan of punching the short-side with close channel runs was paying dividends as the Chiefs seemed more inclined to give away penalties than challenge the Reds.
It was these penalties, and a great kicking display from Quade Cooper, that allowed the Reds back into the game and to only trail by 5 points at the half time break.
The Reds defence, which fell apart last week against the Blues, tightened up in the second half and forced the profligate Chiefs into mistakes and lateral running as they tried to get the ball to their burners on either wing.
There can be no better metaphor for the differences in attitude between the two teams than Luke Morahan’s try in the 63rd minute. The Reds, and Morahan in particular, showed an urgency to get the ball while the Chiefs seemed happy to leave it to someone else.
Why Leila Masaga chose to say “Yours, Bro…” to the ambling Liam Messam and not take responsibility to clean up the situation himself is criminal and the Reds deservedly took a match winning lead from this point.
What was most pleasing about the win, and the Reds season so far, is that as a team they are rectifying the mistakes of the week previous.
First up against the Tahs they lost despite leading into the final stages of the game, but when the same scenario presented itself a week later against the ‘Saders, the Reds held firm.
Last week against Auckland, the Reds were unable to stick to a definite game plan and through the unstructured nature of their play, allowed the Blues to triumph. This week, when all looked lost after the first quarter of the game, the Reds played to a plan, stuck with it, and saluted for the win.
The Reds face the Force next week and are clearly looking forward to the occasion as the teams orator, Van Humphries, so eloquently put it a the end of the Chiefs game, “Come next fucking Sunday, we’ll roll these c*nts, OK!”
I love swearing, and I love a showdown – can’t fucking wait!!!
WALLABY WATCH
Put his hand up: Will Genia – Controlled the game from the base of the ruck by keeping the Reds game plan on track. Is also one of the most dangerous ball-runners in this year’s comp.
Did himself no favours: None – The only three Wallabies on the park, Sanchez, QC and Morgs all had great games
Bolter watch: Anthony Faingaa – Playing great rugby and laying waste to the myth that you need two play makers in the backline to make it operate effectively.
