This title hangover game was always going to be a super-tough one for the Queensland Reds. The Highlanders were clearly superior at 40-19 but don’t be one of the sheep who drones about this proving the gulf between Australian and Kiwi sides.
1 THE REDS NEED TO SUPER-SIZE THEMSELVES AGAINST THE KIWIS
The Reds were clear underdogs for this match and rightly so after all the emotion that was squeezed out of them when winning the Australian final just six days earlier.
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The Reds lacked big bodies to dent the Highlanders’ defence. No Harry Wilson, Hunter Paisami or Jordan Petaia, because of injuries, stripped them of weapons and it was compounded by 129kg Taniela Tupou and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto only joining the game from the bench.
The Reds’ centre duo of Hamish Stewart and Josh Flook just don’t have enough punch in attack. Both are far better when playing beside Paisami.
The Reds will have their big boppers in the pack to face the Crusaders and they have every chance when their equilibrium returns in front of a huge crowd at Suncorp Stadium.
Don’t judge the Reds on this one. They’ll beat a couple of Kiwi sides in the weeks ahead.
2 FLY HIGH SULI
Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu produced two magic moments that would have had Wallabies coach Dave Rennie smiling.
His first acrobatic take in the air to turn a Bryce Hegarty high ball into a try was all class. Another catch on full-time for a second try just emphasised his talent.
It was such a shame he was injured for so much of Super Rugby AU. This Trans-Tasman series over five weeks is going to be huge to fast-forward his rugby education.
3 FACING YOUR HERO AT HALFBACK
Reds halfback Kalani Thomas, just 19, could not have had a worse start with a passing error in the opening seconds that resulted in a Highlanders’ try. Huge credit was due the youngster when just minutes later he stretched for the tryline to score a try under the tackle of hero Aaron Smith. Thomas was smiling...that’s one to tell your mates.
4 SMOTHERING KIWIS
The amount of pressure the Kiwis apply in defence was evident at every stage of the match in Dunedin. Replacement halfback Moses Sorovi had a pass intercepted, extra heat was put on at lineout time and every pass had to be precise or the Highlanders turned a dropped ball into big territory gains.
It certainly didn’t help that winger Filipo Daugunu dropped two passes cold when the Reds were on the attack. It was that reason he spent time on the bench during Super Rugby AU.
5 JAMES O’CONNOR
The sight of O’Connor chatting on the sideline bench was something of a relief after he not return for the second half because of head knock.
He has eight days to go through the concussion protocol and should be fine to face the Crusaders. The Reds need the general of their whole attack.
