Queensland Reds v Melbourne Rebels: Five things we learned from Brad Thorn’s side

BRAD Thorn’s era as coach of the Queensland Reds has begun in the most brutal fashion possible. Jim Tucker looks at five things we learned from the Reds in their 45-19 thrashing at the hands of the Melbourne Rebels.

BRAD Thorn’s era as coach of the Queensland Reds has begun in the most brutal fashion possible.

Jim Tucker looks at five things we learned from the Reds in their 45-19 thrashing at the hands of the Melbourne Rebels.

It was a tough Super Rugby coaching debut for Brad Thorn

1 JONO LANCE

The new Reds flyhalf has to be at his best in every half of rugby he plays because Lance at 80 per cent is not going to win you many Super Rugby games. It was a tough one to be involved in first up with an undermanned side. He pulled off some terrific front-on tackles like the trysaver on burly Amanaki Mafi so that part of his game is spot on. He’s new to this team so the cohesion and sharpness will improve. It has to.

2 STRONG SCRUM AND SPIRIT

The Reds packed a seven-man scrum for much of the final 70 minutes and largely held their own. Coach Brad Thorn was pleased with that element and seeing “character and fight and the hard work on defence” when playing with 13 or 14 men.

3 HOW YOUNG THE SIDE IS

Halfback Tate McDermott and flanker Liam Wright ran on for Reds debuts late in the game and they were both Under-20s last year. Thorn will continue to back youth: “Bring them through...time to get them in the cauldron.”

Scott Higginbotham red card was a major turning point in the game

4 HOW CAN THE REDS IMPROVE

Losing a captain and key forward for 70 minutes was a killer so playing with 15 men is a start. The return of busy winger Izaia Perese to roam infield and flanker George Smith will make a difference but don’t expect either before April.

5 DIRECTION

Halfback Will Genia was a superb general for the Rebels and the Reds need someone to step up just like that. Lance has limitations and the Rebels sweated on halfback James Tuttle all night and deflected two kicks. Tuttle did direct a fine shortside raid that nearly got winger Eto Nabuli to the tryline. Tuttle will continue to improve.

Originally published as Queensland Reds v Melbourne Rebels: Five things we learned from Brad Thorn’s side