Rugby review: Reds reveal new-look attack, Kurtley Beale talks up 12 for Tahs and more

THE Reds reveal their new-look attack, Kurtley Beale set for 12, Rebels play down trial form — we review all the weekend’s action.

REMODELLED REDS SHOWCASE NEW ATTACKING STYLE

News_Image_File: Aidan Toua runs the ball for the Reds. Picture: Darren England.

The Queensland Reds were slick in their four-try 31-20 trial win over the champion Chiefs in Toowoomba on Saturday night when the first inkling of their remodelled attacking verve showed clearly.

Five-eighth Quade Cooper defended in the frontline which is a major departure from his old Reds’ commission under former coach Ewen McKenzie, who used his wiles as a counter-attacking fullback when the team was on defence.

With Cooper defending in the frontline, there is no need for a Jono Lance-Ben Lucas style stopper at fullback who must plug into the frontline in defence.

It freed up lithe attacker Aidan Toua to audition for 40 minutes at fullback against the Chiefs and he looked sensational.

In the second minute, he was bursting on to a double cutout pass from Cooper out wide, slicing through a hole and putting Lachie Turner in for a try.

That attacking punch shone again and again. Turner and teenager Jonah Placid also trialled at fullback (with Lucas sidelined).

Evolving as an attacking side is a big key to the Reds increasing their attacking strikepower under new coach Richard Graham. The first signs were good.

— Jim Tucker

BEALE BACKS HIMSELF AT 12 (OR 10 … OR 15)

Kurtley Beale has played two games for the Waratahs and has already filled three positions for his new/old club.

In NSW’s win over the Blues last Friday night he started at fullback, then moved to inside centre and flyhalf as coach Michael Cheika rotated his backline — and impressed in all roles.

With Bernard Foley — who also performed strongly in the win over the Blues — the incumbent Tahs No. 10 and Wallaby star Israel Folau a lock at fullback, inside centre shapes as a serious option for Beale. It’s a challenge he’d happily accept.

News_Image_File: Kurtley Beale in action against the Blues at Allianz Stadium.

“There’s obviously some pretty special players out there, especially in those key positions — 10, 12, 15.

“(They are) all positions that I’m definitely putting my hand up for. I’m just here being part of the team. There’s a big goal out there for us to finish in the top three, top four.

“Whatever it takes, if I’m pushing someone else and they’re pushing me I think it’s healthy for the team and we’ll all benefit from it.

“I don’t mind where I am in the team, I’m just here to help the boys move forward and hopefully get the title at the end of the year.”

– Dominic Burke

CAUTIOUS REBELS PLAY DOWN TOP TRIAL FORM

How things have changed at the Melbourne Rebels.

Time was when any win — in a pre-season trial or for points — would have been celebrated long and hard.

Make no mistake, the Rebels were pleased with the 24-22 victory over the Hurricanes, but there was a conspicuous absence of triumphalism.

Coach Tony McGahan, for one, was far from satisfied with aspects of the win — and he let it be known that better is expected.

News_Image_File: Rebels centre Tamati Ellison takes on the Hurricanes defence.

There is a different feel to the Rebels this season. Hardly a coincidence given the number of players, including Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor, who are no longer with the club.

A clearer picture of how the new Rebels are tracking will come against Queensland at Ballymore on Friday night.

— Leo Schlink

THE SUPER RUGBY SEASON IS ALMOST HERE

All these trials can only mean one thing: the season proper is just about upon us.

Indeed, the action kicks off this weekend with two matches from the South African conference — Cheetahs v Lions, followed by Sharks v Bulls.

The countdown really is on.

Have a great week everyone. Six days to go! #SuperRugby pic.twitter.com/y4iBvd70k6

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) February 9, 2014

THE SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP IS UP FOR GRABS

Irish eyes were smiling after the men in green outplayed Wales to claim a deserved 26-3 win over the back-to-back champions in Dublin.

But while victory left Ireland sitting pretty with two wins from two starts, there’s a long way to go before they can start celebrating a first Six Nations triumph since 2009.

News_Rich_Media: Wales are aiming for a record third consecutive title but after losing 26-3 in Dublin

The Irish have played twice at home and next up face a tough trip to England, who bounced back from the agony of their opening round defeat away to France to thump Scotland 20-0 in Edinburgh.

The French, meanwhile, are also unbeaten after putting paid to Italy overnight.

And Wales themselves are not to be discounted. They were comprehensively beaten by Joe Schmidt’s men but with the squad at their disposal cannot be discounted — and they won four from five matches to clinch the 2013 crown.