Reds vs Cheetahs: Five things we learned

Sat, Apr 30, 2016, 11:38 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
A solid second half performance from the Red earns them their second win for the season over the Cheetahs 30-17.

What are we talking about after the Reds win? 

1. Kerevi injury

Samu Kerevi was destined for Wallabies gold this season but an early exit from Saturday's game could end a super year. The centre was in tears on the sideline after coming off the ground with a wrist injury and Reds fans will all be praying things aren't as bad as they might seem.

2.Frisby on golden run?

He was invited to the Wallabies camp last month and Nick Frisby scored a scintillating try against the Cheetahs, finishing off work by Samu Kerevi and Eto Nabuli. The Reds scrumhalf has been a consistent standout for the Reds this season. Could it be enough for him to get a run in June? We'll soon find out, but his form is certainly hard to ignore.

3. Holmes MVP

Greg 'Grange' Holmes is turning in his best vintage of all. The tighthead prop is surely in the box seat for the Wallabies this year, barring a late return from Sekope Kepu, and he decimated the Cheetahs scrum on Saturday. He will arguably be the biggest loss for the Reds when he leaves for Exeter at the end of the season, after holding down the Queensland scrum.

4. Browning taking opportunities

It's been a long time coming for Curtis Browning but the schoolboy prodigy is finally starting to get, and make the most of, his opportunities. The backrower notched a try against the Cheetahs and was a solid contributor in the match, after a career-best game against the Stormers.

5. Simple errors prove costly

The Reds keep themselves in games with their scrum and throw away advantage with their skills. The home side had six handling errors to one midway through the first half, with just a penalty goal to show for their efforts. They managed to recover but it could have been a far bigger win for the Reds if they had kept the ball in their hands in the opening half.

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