Gold Coasters shine in Reds grudge match win over Waratahs

Two Gold Coasters appear set to have locked up starting positions for the Reds Super Rugby season after shining against the NSW Waratahs.

Bulletin rugby reporter Nic Darveniza casts his eye over the Gold Coast contingent from the Queensland Reds 28-19 pre-season victory against the old enemy, the New South Wales Waratahs, in Dalby last night.

Jock Campbell

Rectified his quiet start to the season with a try and three successful conversions from three attempts. Campbell was never far from the action but had to wait until the second half before his support running was recognised. Floated between fullback and wing in the second half in an encouraging performance. If it was ever in doubt, Campbell quashed it last night. He’ll start for the Reds in round one.

Queensland Reds winger Jock Campbell v NSW Waratahs, Dalby. Picture: Brendan Hertel / QRU

Angus Blyth

An injury-ravaged Reds second row department left Angus Blyth as the only full-time lock in the Reds program. With Rodda, Hockings and Salakaia-Loto unavailable Blyth needed to step up. He enjoyed a far busier role than last weekend’s trial against the Rebels, stepping into the grafting shoes of Izack Rodda well. A careless high tackle earned him 10 minutes in the bin which was the only detraction from a toiling effort.

James O’Connor

The Reds sharp passing at the line stressed the Waratahs defensive line plenty, with O’Connor a key exponent in the middle of the field. His deceptive playmaking forced Waratah centres Karmichael Hunt and Lalakai Foketi to try contain Jordan Petaia from point blank range. When Robbie Deans first thrust O’Connor into the Wallabies flyhalf jersey in 2013, this was the playmaking future he probably envisaged.

Queensland Reds centre James O'Connor v NSW Waratahs, Dalby. Picture: Brendan Hertel / QRU

Alex Mafi

Like Blyth, hooker Alex Mafi stepped out of his comfort zone to record a strong attacking performance. Incisive running lines, particularly in support of livewire halfback Tate McDermott, saw Mafi stretch the defence to breaking point on several occasions. Mafi was excellent in the loose.

Henry Speight

An understated performance from the Reds most experienced back. Speight was solid throughout his 40 minute first half before being wrapped in cotton wool for the second. Speight’s major involvement was a scything linebreak to carry the side into the red zone for the time of the match.