The Queensland Reds have used their bye week to address discipline after last Friday night’s loss to the New South Wales Waratahs, with hooker Matt Faessler admitting the penalty count proved costly.
The Reds conceded 17 penalties in Sydney - a number Faessler said made winning impossible.
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“You can’t win a Super Rugby game conceding 17-odd penalties,” he said to reporters.
“This week’s about rectifying a few of those things, making a few tactical switches and really leaning into the prep for the Highlanders at Suncorp.”
Attention now turns to Friday, February 27, when the Reds host the Highlanders at home.
“I love playing at Suncorp,” Faessler said. “You’ve got people rolling down Caxton Street and the energy is infectious.”
While the Reds have enjoyed recent success against New Zealand opposition under Les Kiss, Faessler insisted the focus remains internal.
“It’s not about Australian teams or Kiwi teams. It’s about performing well - especially in front of our home fans," he believes.
The Highlanders pose a stern forward challenge, led by All Black prop Ethan de Groot.
“They’re strong at the set piece, hardworking and physical. They love their special plays and starter plays in attack, so rectifying that will be really important," the hooker notes.
The bye has also strengthened competition for selection, with several players returning to training.
“That’s one of the strengths of our squad - the depth. The competitiveness it drives at training is awesome.”
One positive from Sydney was the Super Rugby debut of young backrower Vaiuta Latu.
The Brothers product, known as “Vice”, impressed in his first outing - something that carried extra meaning for Faessler.
“He’s explosive, big body, really physical and abrasive,” he said. “I coached him in under-14s at Brothers, so it’s great to see him step up. It’s a win for the club and for Vice and his family," he revealed.
After a long pre-season, Faessler said the group feels energised as the campaign gathers momentum.
“It’s a breath of fresh air getting back into playing rugby and playing for something. Every team’s chasing that cup and we are as well," he adds.
Following a tough night in Sydney, the message is clear - tighten discipline and respond at home.
