Incoming Wallabies boss on his coaching duel with Jamie Joseph
Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss hailed his team’s “brilliant industry” and singled out Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon for special praise after they scored an impressive Super Rugby win over the dangerous Highlanders.
The hosts came through with a 31-14 win in Brisbane on Friday night against a side that defeated the defending champions, the Crusaders, in round one.
Victory ignited the Reds’ season after they were outgunned 36-12 by the NSW Waratahs to open their campaign before a bye last weekend.
“The boys’ industry was brilliant. It wasn’t perfect, but the boys stuck at it and got in front of the game when they needed to,” said Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach in July.
“Our back three were chasing everything, working hard off the ball and on it. Our locks and backrow were very strong and set a good platform.”
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Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Tim Ryan, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Vaiuta Latu all dotted down, capping a strong work ethic from the entire team, who were dangerous with the ball in hand.
They were boosted by the return from injury of burly Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson, who proved immense in defence, and former Melbourne Rebels star Gordon.
Gordon made his Reds debut after returning to rugby union from a stint in rugby league, mixing quality moments with unforced errors.
“Of his own admission a couple of fumbles, a few passes and kicks, but he added a really calm head,” Kiss said.
“He gave us direction … he played strong and physical and that’s important. He’s in there, really happy with that hit-out as a first time. Wasn’t complete, but it was good and strong.”
After downing the Crusaders, the Highlanders narrowly fell to the Waikato Chiefs last week with the loss against the Reds their second in a row.
Jamie Joseph, seen as a top contender to be the next All Blacks coach, bemoaned his team’s failure to capitalise on a good start.
“The fact we’ve only won four times here in 30 years tells you something,” he said.
“It’s not just this year, last year, year before … the Highlanders have really struggled here.”
