Super Rugby 2015: Western Force everything Queensland Reds don’t want to be, but should be

THE Reds were twice Force-fed losses last year by the men from the west, who are everything the Queenslanders don’t want to be — but should be.

SPORT - Western Force vs Queensland Reds, nib Stadium, Perth. Photo by Daniel Wilkins. PICTURED- Force's Ben McCalman crosses the line for his teams second try of the first half.

THE Reds were twice Force-fed losses last year by the men from the west, who are everything the Queenslanders don’t want to be — but should be. The Force play to their strengths and limitations.

They keep play close to their forwards, rarely gamble with the ball from their own half, hustle in defence and, most importantly, follow their game plan.

There was an identity theft in Canberra a week ago, because you could not work out what the Reds were trying to be, so few redeeming features were there in the 47-3 tumble. Beating the Force tomorrow night at Suncorp Stadium is imperative, not just to erase that stain but to see a Reds style. That, or the Reds will be as popular as tainted frozen berries.

Tomorrow night will be all about the forwards hammering out a message, especially senior lock James Horwill after his shocker against the ACT Brumbies in Round 1. He might no longer be Reds captain but his disdain for the referee whistling him for endless penalties is not the example you set.

Reds coach Richard Graham yesterday produced a statistic that 73 per cent of the tackling against the Brumbies was upper body tackling which gave the Brumbies way too much momentum.

A dominant, low-tackle focus, plenty of driving, rolling mauls and halfback Will Genia sniping blindside and open is the same sort of plan the Force will have themselves.

James Horwill had a night to forget against the Brumbies.

The wet weather is an unfortunate handbrake but the Reds should operate far better with flyhalf James O’Connor and fullback Karmichael Hunt as dual playmakers.

“Will and James have played a little together so that was a factor in pairing them to get that feel and flow in our game but also experience with this weather,” Graham said.

“Karmichael gives us his courage, communication, commitment in defence and kicking from fullback and he will get chances at first-receiver too.”

The Reds won five times last Super Rugby season but more alarming was grabbing two victories in the eight contests against their four Australian Conference rivals.

Originally published as Super Rugby 2015: Western Force everything Queensland Reds don’t want to be, but should be