Scott-Young to follow in father's footsteps

Wed, Feb 28, 2018, 7:40 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
He's showed he's not afraid to blood youth as a coach and Brad Thorn has continued to do so with Liam Wright named for his first start and Angus Scott-Young picked for his Super Rugby debut. Meanwhile, Aidan Toua will suit up against his former side

He may have the flowing blonde locks and burly game with in ball in hand but Angus Scott-Young has a touch less "crazy eyes" about him than his Wallaby father, according to Reds coach Brad Thorn.

Scott-Young is set to make his Super Rugby debut on Friday when the Reds take on the Brumbies, having been named on the bench.

It is the first step towards a stellar career that his father, Sam, produced, playing seven Tests between 1990 and 1992.

Scott-Young senior was famously aggressive on field and while Angus has that tenacity on field in spades, Thorn cheekily suggested the debutant may have his father covered in an IQ test as well.Scott-Young has been a rising star in Queensland for a couple of years. Photo: Getty Images"That's a nice one with his father, he'd be really proud - his whole family would," Thorn said.

"He's an OP 1 student studying medicine so he's nothing like his old man (laughs).

"He's got those flowing locks like his dad but he's very different.

"He's a very physical and able rugby player.

"I've had him along with a couple of other guys for the last two years and he has earned the right to be there."

While Thorn will continue to encourage that aggression from his forward pack in particular, there is also a need to curb the high number of foul penalties gifted by the Reds to other sides.


Should they give the Brumbies another man advantage as they did against the Rebels, the match will be all but over.

"Obviously there were a couple of ones there that cost us but in total I think we only had eight penalties," Thorn said of his side's discipline.

"There were a couple there that were big plays that hurt us a bit but I like to think we've been training well, we've been training a good technique so it's not something I feel at all that we need to address.

"I just want to play proactive, positive footy within the boundaries of the game."

Thorn praised the debut of Liam Wright and said he had no qualms with rejigging his backrow in order to accommodate the rising star at his preferred position.The Reds have big wraps on Wright. Photo: QRU Media/Brendan Hertel"Liam Wright is an outstanding young prospect at seven," Thorn said.

"He's just a good footballer, that's why he was on the bench last week.

"I rate him very highly and he's just at the start of his career.

"He's good over the ball and he's good in a lot of areas - it's good to have him."

As for why James Slipper was given the nod to lead the side ahead of Samu Kerevi, Thorn playfully suggested some bias may have factored into the decision.

"They're both doing a great job but who knows, maybe it's my forward bias - one for the forwards," he said.

"They'll both be leading out there, as will other guys."

The Reds host the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEDT, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and on RUGBY.com.au radio.

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