Genia backs Reds to step up

Wed, Apr 15, 2015, 4:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the St.George Queensland Reds in 2015, but dynamic halfback Will Genia is confident the team can bounce back from successive losses this weekend against the Cheetahs.

Last week the Reds had a stellar second-half bringing the score line to 29-22 after trailing by 19 points at the break. Their four tries came from Nick Frisby, Lachie Turner, Will Genia and replacement Marco Kotze, but a strong Bulls outfit proved too much for the 2011 Super Rugby Champions. 21 year-old outside centre Samu Kerevi was monstrous for the Reds gaining 155 metres with the ball and notching up five tackle busts!

The Reds welcome back former Qantas Wallabies captain James Horwill to the side, having served a one match suspension for being sent off in their clash against the RaboDirect Rebels a fortnight ago.

Genia says the addition of Horwill to the team will be a huge boost for the Queenslanders.

“It's great to have James come back into the fold.”

"Just his presence…obviously he captained the club and he was there when we won the competition in 2011 as the leader of this side. The knowledge and experience he'll bring come game-time will definitely benefit the group,” Genia said.

In what could be another huge lift for the Reds, Genia says utility back James O’Connor looks to have overcome a calf injury, and is ready to return to the depleted Reds backline.

"James will add an enormous amount to the group.He adds plenty of flair, X-factor, a lot of talent and the ability to beat defenders one-on-one, create space for other players,” he said.

The Queensland Reds can expect an upbeat Cheetahs side, who defeated the Western Force 24-14 in Perth last weekend.

“Last time we played them we had a disappointing result.” Genia said.

“They’ll come at us in a very similar way the Bulls did, with high balls, and try and bully us. We need to minimise the errors, as far as drop ball and turning over possession.”

The Queensland Reds will wrap up their South African tour in Johannesburg against the Cheetahs on Sunday morning, as they search for their second victory of the season.

You can catch all the action live on FOX Sports 2 & 2HD from 3:10am AEST.

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