5 things we learned from the Reds loss to the Lions in Super Rugby

IT was another poor night for the Reds as the Lions capitalised on poor discipline and a scrum that needs work. Here’s what we learned.

Jack Kriel (R) and Malcolm Marx (L) of the Lions tackle Scott Higginbotham (C) of the Reds during the Super XV rugby union match between The Lions and the Queensland Reds at Ellis Park Stadium on March 18, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. / AFP PHOTO / STRINGER

IT was another poor night for the Reds as the Lions capitalised on poor discipline and a scrum that needs work. Here’s what we learned.

1 REVIVALS DON’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

The progress has been undeniable in terms of improved attitude, team culture and work ethic off the field at the Reds but unless the results show on the scoreboard, it’s all a bit of a fizzer for the fans.

The rattling early hits produced by Karmichael Hunt, Izaia Perese and Quade Cooper showed the Reds meant business in Johannesburg but squandering first half chances for points was always going to bite the visitors.

It was the Lions who kept piling on the pressure and when they sized up a potential weakness at the scrum after the Reds lost captain James Slipper they kept going there to drive home the advantage.

VIDEO: Cooper sent off against the Lions

The Lions are what the Reds need to become. The South African outfit has been together for a number of years, their plays are second nature, the speed of organisation from quick taps is excellent and they finish their chances more often than not.

The Reds are still a team of moments right now. We are still waiting for the 80-minute performance and there will be more heartache until they produce it.

Quade Cooper given his marching orders.

2 HIGH TACKLE DRAMAS

Quade Cooper’s dodgy tackling technique has got him into strife before and here was another example.

You have to admire him standing on his tryline and doing his best to fell a charging 108kg bull elephant in the shape of centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg.

The tackle was high and judged dangerous because the arm wrap came around the neck even if teammate Karmichael Hunt yelled “WHAT” when Kiwi referee Mike Fraser flashed a red card.

In these zero-tolerance days, the Reds have to be far better on discipline.

That’s one red card and three yellow cards in four rounds from high tackles and that is going to kill any team, especially one fighting to build a new reputation.

James Slipper taken from the field in agony.

3 SCRUM WOES

The Reds were enviable dominators at scrum time in 2015-16 even when they could only win a handful of games.

Prop was one position where the Reds were a little thin on experience entering this season with long-time scrum rock Greg Holmes heading to an English club and Ben Daley unwanted and finding a new home at the Western Force.

With James Slipper out for the season should a torn achilles be confirmed and Sef Fa’agase grounded by a calf problem, the Reds are now looking vulnerable in the front-row.

Rookie prop Markus Vanzati had a difficult 51-minute scrum examination as Slipper’s replacement against the Lions.

He was penalised for bringing down the scrum several times and it won’t get any easier when he starts against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires next Sunday.

The good news is Vanzati was physical and productive around the field with his charges, tackling and willingness to throw his 118kg frame around.

4 THE MOORE-READY TANGO AT HOOKER

Andrew Ready had made two little charges inside the opening two minutes to get rolling as starting hooker.

He would have stayed on longer than 35 minutes but for the SOS to Stephen Moore to marshall the scrum once Slipper limped off early.

Wallaby skipper Moore’s workload at 34 does have to be managed so, fair enough, the good young hooker deserves to start a few games.

You can bet Moore will be back in the starting side in Buenos Aires next weekend.

Scott Higginbotham driven back by the Lions.

5 ON THE ROAD ... AGAIN

The loss in Johannesburg has stretched the Reds’ roadkill record to 0-10 since May, 2015.

There is no escaping how poor that is especially when the Reds have conceded 38 or more points on half those occasions.

Next weekend will be a true backs to the wall test of character against a top Argentinian side in Buenos Aires but records, even the bad ones, are there to be broken.

Originally published as 5 things we learned from the Reds loss to the Lions in Super Rugby