Five things we learned from Reds v Lions Super Rugby clash

THE future for Hamish Stewart looks good, Samu Kerevi is maturing and bench players Korczyk and Mafi had a huge impact. Five things we learned from Reds v Lions:

Queensland’s Izack Rodda takes on the Lions defence on Saturday.

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED

1 New flyhalf Hamish Stewart has a bright future and the Reds need him to because he’ll be the man next year with Jono Lance heading to English club Worcester. His calm manner was impressive and the zeal to his tackling made a difference. That one wobbly long pass late in the game will be holstered next time.

MATCH: Reds stun Lions

2 The impact from bench duo Adam Korczyk and Alex Mafi was huge. Backrower Korczyk made his first tackle 10 seconds after running on while hooker Mafi’s fingertip handling to poach a Lions’ lineout tap-back was one of the little things that decide games.

Queensland’s Izack Rodda takes on the Lions defence on Saturday.

3 Samu Kerevi is maturing. The Reds knew pre-match that the Lions sometimes leave space at the back and, when centre partner Chris Feauai-Sautia alerted him, Kerevi was smart enough to dab a perfect kick to set up the first try. It was also a smart Kerevi call to take three points for a penalty goal for 27-0 rather than pack another 5m scrum.

4 Prop Taniela Tupou is destructive force. It wasn’t just at scrum time but when he attach himself to the back of Adam Korczyk and the “Hammer of Thor” pushed him 5m. A key forced penalty at the tackle too.

5 The Reds are not yet an 80-minute team, according to coach Brad Thorn. It’s a straight-shooting judgement and that’s the development step Thorn now wants to take. How important was flanker George Smith in adding calmness and consistency.

Originally published as Five things we learned from Reds v Lions Super Rugby clash