Reds left asking 'what if?'

 

The Reds have battled hard before being edged out 20-13 by the Highlanders in an entertaining Super Rugby clash in Dunedin on Friday.

 

“I am disappointed because we didn’t get the result we came for," Graham said.

 

"The effort of the group was very good but we will be asking ourselves questions like 'what if' and 'if only' because of the number of opportunities we created yet didn’t capitalise on.

 

“We began the game well, but then got sucked into a battle of field position that we lost.

 

"We kicked aimlessly at times which allowed them to spend over 60 percent of the game in our half. 

 

"We went away from our strategy and got dragged into theirs. 

 

"They were physical and I give them credit for the disciplined approach they had.

 

“The set piece was a bit of a lottery. Both teams scrummed well but nothing clean came of it.

 

"The lineout not too different if I am being honest.

 

“Our defensive effort was solid given they had the majority of position and possession. 

 

"The boys scrambled well and at times had three defenders carrying the ball carrier into touch near our try line. The boys will take a lot of confidence from that aspect of the game.

 

James O’Connor made an impressive debut for the Reds, notching two penalties and a conversion, while No.8 Jake Schatz crossed for Queensland only try. 

 

The Highlanders also scored one try, to wing Waisake Naholo, with flyhalf Marty Banks’ four penalties and replacement Hayden Parker’s one, proving the difference between the teams.

 

“It was smart to take the three points at the end of the game to secure a losing bonus point. At the end of the rounds every point counts and you need to accumulate them wherever you can," Graham added.

 

“We’ll push hard over the next week to ensure we address some aspects of our game ahead of next weekend.

 

"We had a few more players available for selection this week and are hoping for more to return ahead of playing New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium next weekend.”

 

Highlanders fullback Ben Smith said he was proud of his team's effort in a game that could have gone either way.

 

"I was proud of the way we closed it out," Smith said. 

 

"It was a hard match so it was good to get away with the win."