Praise for Reds' excellent character
Reds coach Richard Graham was full of praise for his team in the wake of their scrappy 18-6 win over the Western Force on Saturday.
The Queensland-based franchise overcame late injury disruptions and torrential rain to guts out a well-deserved victory over the Force in their Round Two of the 2015 Super Rugby season in Brisbane.
The Reds recorded a two tries to nil victory over the Force in front of 14,199 faithful Queensland fans, putting on a powerful display up front to set up the result.
Lachie Turner finished the Reds' first try, following an 80-metre team effort, while the second was a penalty try – following a tighthead penalty on the Force's five-metre line.
Turner added one conversion and two penalties to complete a solid performance at fullback.
"It was a massive effort from our team," Graham said.
"We spoke during the week and before the game about repaying the Queensland faithful.
"Given the weather we have had in the last couple of days and this morning, to see the number of people turn up tonight was inspiring for the group.
"This was a physical game and the team showed a lot of character.
"I thought it was excellent.
"That being said, we've got a short turnaround now for the Highlanders, so it's straight back to business as usual tomorrow [Sunday] to prepare for that match."
With 14 players already unavailable for selection for the match – including flyhalf Karmichael Hunt caught up in a cocaine distribution scandal – the Reds were dealt another injury blow shortly before kick-off, with new flyhalf James O'Connor ruled out after a fitness test on his knee.
Reserve scrumhalf Nick Frisby stepped in to the pivotal No.10 jersey and steered the team well.
While O'Connor missed the opportunity to make his Queensland debut, one new face available was former All Blacks and Highlanders loose forward Adam Thomson, who made a huge difference to the Reds' forward momentum right from the kick off.
