Five things we learned from the Reds’ loss to the Hurricanes

DESPITE being blown away by the Hurricanes in the second half, Queensland Reds can take away plenty of positives from the loss. Here’s five things we learned.

DESPITE being blown away by the Hurricanes in the second half, Queensland Reds can take away plenty of positives from the loss. Here’s five things we learned.

1. “Tongan Thor” proved he’s up to the mark as a starting Super Rugby prop. It was a big ask to be tossed into his first run-on role against the Super Rugby champions but he held the scrum well, contributed around the field and showed an excellent temperament.

2. Scott Higginbotham is still a Wallaby-standard No.8 when he plays this well. He’s a dynamic, all-skills package and he showed it with a flick-pass to set up a try, a fast charge down the left touchline, a key pilfer and big ball carries. Michael Cheika will have taken notes.

3. Jake McIntyre has heart and desire but the jury has to be out on whether he has all the elements to influence Super Rugby results. It’s a hard call to make but he’s below the top-flight of No.10s and that may not be good enough when the Reds decide who is to be back-up to Quade Cooper in the years ahead.

4. What a difference a good referee makes. Angus Gardner is definitely on the improve. When Eto Nabuli made a wrap tackle and knocked a ball down as a Hurricane passed it, there were shudders that a repeat yellow like Buenos Aires a week ago was on the cards. Instead, commonsense and play on.

5. The Barrett brothers, Beauden and Jordie, were all class for the Hurricanes. Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi have brothers ... maybe it’s time to check their rugby pedigree if the Kiwi brothers can be that good playing off each other.

Originally published as Five things we learned from the Reds’ loss to the Hurricanes