Quade Cooper, Karmichael Hunt, hooker shuffle: 5 things we learned about Reds in loss to Crusaders

THE Reds continue to show vast improvement but wins are still proving elusive. Here are 5 things we learned about their last-minute defeat to the Crusaders.

Karmichael Hunt has really hit his straps for the Reds this season.

FIVE things we learned about the new Reds from their last-minute defeat to the Crusaders at Suncorp on Saturday night.

HEARTBREAK: Reds blow big lead

1 - Quade Cooper’s left knee

Phew! When he went down early, there were grave concerns because he was a little proppy for a good 15 minutes. Knee guru Peter Myers examined the joint post-match and thought there was nothing serious. Cooper will be on the plane to South Africa on Monday to play next week. He played his best game of the season and part of that was underplaying his hand because of the knee.

2 New blood

Giant young lock Izack Rodda thoroughly deserved his selection with his crashing hit-ups a real ground gainer in the first half. A slight head knock forced him off. He had no finishing chances but teenage winger Izaia Perese’s three willing runs in the opening five minutes were a sign of bigger things to come. Prop Markus Vanzati stepped up late with Sef Fa’agase (calf) injured and scrummed admirably on debut.

Karmichael Hunt has really hit his straps for the Reds this season.

3 Ruthless finishing

The knack of great teams is winning in tight finishes. It’s something the Reds are still searching for and the Crusaders have in their DNA. The Reds gave up a big lead and drew with the Blues last year and this was similar. A lot more composure to this team just the same.

4 Karmichael Hunt

The former league-AFL code-hopper really stepped up with his starchy defence and has really bought into the new team ethos established by coach Nick Stiles. Might have conjured an extra try but pulled back for a forward pass.

5 The hooker shuffle

Wise use of Stephen Moore and Andrew Ready. The Reds have two top hookers and a split of 40 minutes apiece worked well. Moore had his best showing of the new season and wild-haired Ready was full of energy.

Originally published as Quade Cooper, Karmichael Hunt, hooker shuffle: 5 things we learned about Reds in loss to Crusaders