The Reds have the depth to overcome the loss of some incredible talent
The Queensland Reds will look to put a disrupted second preseason of 2020 behind them on Friday when their Super Rugby AU campaign kicks off against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.
Rising stars Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas, joined by Wallaby Izack Rodda, walked out on the Reds and Rugby Australia in May due to the uncertain financial state of the game.
The Reds will have their depth put to the test this season, and will be made to miss the trio if other players can’t fill the holes left by their departure.
But there’s hope.
While not discrediting the ability of the former Reds players, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
With two of the three players being second rowers, let’s start the Reds quest for prosperity there.
Wallaby Lukhan Salakaia-Loto could very well see more time in the second row, but Brad Thorn may have to turn to youth to bolster an already inexperienced side.
22-year-old Angus Blyth isn’t new to the Reds, having represented his State on 14 occasions. But Blyth may now have the opportunity to cement his place in the team.
The Queensland Country representative started the first match of 2020 against the Brumbies alongside Salakaia-Loto in the second row, so it’s an already familiar partnership that could mould the future of the Queensland Reds tight five.
As for the loss of Isaac Lucas, the Reds have some of the best up and coming talent in the country who can fill the void left by the utility back.
21-year-old Lucas showed glimpses of promise in all seven Reds matches so far in 2020, drawing praise for his impact and potential.
But other than his two starts against the Brumbies and Crusaders, he became a regular custodian of the 22 jersey whilst also filling in at fullback, with James O’Connor more fancied at fly-half with Hamish Stewart outside him.
Joining Stewart in the centres was three-test Wallaby Jordan Petaia, before he went down with a shoulder injury early in the season.
Hunter Paisami replaced Petaia and held his own in Super Rugby alongside Stewart, in what just may be the future of the Reds midfield.
Upon his return, Petaia at 15 could be a sight to behold if Thorn decides to play the 20-year-old there.
Jock Campbell was an integral part of the Reds side in 2020, becoming the first-choice fullback after starting the first two matches on the wing.
Depending on how Petaia returns, any of Stewart, Paisami or Campbell would do Lucas’ spot on the bench justice.
Chris Feauai-Sautia and Filipo Daugunu are also players who could prompt line-up reshuffles with Henry Speight having left for Pro D2 side Biarritz.
2019 Australian Schools & U18s captain Josh Flook, and 2019 Queensland schoolboy of the year Mac Grealy, could also have the potential to fill the vacancy left by Lucas in the long-term.
Simply, the Reds have the depth to overcome the loss of some incredible talent.
Bryce Hegarty also proved a helpful alternative at 15, who was also more accurate with the boot than his replacement in Campbell.
Now this is where the big issues lie.
Campbell had converted 12 of 21 attempts off the tee after the match against the Crusaders in Christchurch, while Hegarty was perfect from nine attempts before being moved to the bench after round two.
As long as the Reds goalkickers get on top of their accuracy, the Reds will be winning a lot more than what they did earlier this year, having lost three of their seven matches by seven or less.
Replacements and goal kicking woes will be put to the test this Friday, when the Reds host the inaugural match of Super Rugby AU against their fiercest rivals, the Waratahs.
Number Eight Harry Wilson spoke about the match on Tuesday, in what promises to be a State of Origin like encounter.
“Queensland versus New South Wales, it’s the biggest game of the year being a Queensland or New South Welshman. There’s probably no better way to start this competition than versing New South Wales,” Wilson told Reds TV.
“From the moment we heard about it, we were very fired up for this game. They had Paul Gallen speaking to them too so they’ll be pretty fired up for this game also.
“We don’t need anymore extra motivation than just playing New South Wales.”
With the Waratahs winning just one from six earlier this year, this is simply a must win for the Reds as they attempt to win their first Super title since 2011.
If the Reds get off to a good start on Friday and build throughout the season, they still have the personnel to contest for a top two finish.
Comments on RugbyPass
Good luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
37 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
37 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
2 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
37 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
49 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
37 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
37 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
37 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
37 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to comments