3. Force Depletion
Why is it the Force can play so well year after year against the Crusaders and Reds, but can never beat the Rebels? One of the great mysteries of sport is why teams can lift against certain opponents but not for others. The Force are a prime example.
Against the Brumbies they were inept, pathetic even. But against the Reds? Their defence was almost impenetrable. In the end I’m not sure they deserved to win, but you still have to admire their stoicism. Ben McCalman in particular is coming back into Wallaby consideration.
Once again though questions have to be asked about the Reds decision-making in the red zone. This game was ALWAYS going to be a scrap, and this was made even more obvious after the first 20 minutes yielded barely any points. So why oh why did the Reds turn down kickable penalties in the Force 22? Much like their game against the Brumbies they frittered away valuable time pushing for a try, and by the time they finally got it the game was almost gone.
And once again you need to ask questions about the Reds desire to take 4 points instead of 2. Uncharacteristic errors were made in those last five minutes. It is not the first time, either.
These things aren’t terrible in and of themselves. But I do wonder if they are mistakes that the 2011 Reds would have made. This stuff separates champions from losing finalists.
