Graham identifies Reds' weak spots
Reds coach Richard Graham feels he has identified the reasons for his team's ongoing struggles – which have seen them stuck in second-from-last on the Super Rugby standings, with just two wins from nine matches.
The Reds were overrun in the second half by the table-topping Hurricanes in Brisbane at the weekend, going down 19-35.
The Reds took an early lead through two tries to centre Samu Kerevi, but the Hurricanes hit back through tries to TJ Perenara and Callum Gibbins before a Liam Gill try closed it up early in the second half.
Two further tries to Julian Savea and Perenara saw the Hurricanes home.
"We started the game exceptionally well," the Reds coach, Graham, said.
"We were direct, abrasive and patient.
"You can see throughout this five-game period how much we've improved given a little continuity in selection.
"I look back at the game and can identify a number of areas that put us under pressure.
"In the first half the six penalties at the tackle and offside line initially gave them points and then field position.
"The turnovers gave them opportunities and we've seen through the competition that they are the best in the business when the game becomes loose.
"In the second half when we missed touch at 23–19 down lead to a significant change in momentum.
"We went from a line-out five metres out from their line to a sin binning [of flank Liam Gill] five metres out from ours.
"I thought the sin binning was incredibly harsh and ultimately in that 10-minute period they shipped 12 points into us.
"Again, another indication of their ability if you give them opportunities.
"We have a bye next weekend and then a six game finish to the season.
"I know the areas we want to address moving forward.
"It's not about analysis paralysis or making massive shifts, it's about each individual improving three to five percent and putting that into our team performance."
Pictures courtesy of QRU Media Unit & Sportography
