Reds 'snapshot' looks impressive
The Reds gave a 'snapshot' of their true potential with the impressive 31-20 win against reigning champions the Chiefs in their Super Rugby pre-season with a in Toowoomba at the weekend.
The Reds notched four tries in the first of two pre-season clashes in 2014.
Queensland spread the ball at every opportunity and looked sharp, particularly when Quade Cooper and Will Genia were together calling the shots.
Three of the Reds' tries came in the first half as they jumped out to a 24-8 lead at half time.
Reds coach Richard Graham said the game had provided a snapshot of how the Reds wanted to play.
"I thought it was a good hit-out for us," the Queensland outfit's mentor said.
"I thought we played some really good Rugby in patches," Graham added.
"We had a strong focus on the way we wanted to go about our business.
"The thing I was most pleased with was probably our discipline in field position."
Cooper was also upbeat about the first pre-season outing and the side being able to mix up their attacking tactics and play at speed, especially in the first half.
"Things got quite compact in attack at times last year," Cooper said.
"We wanted to change up the options and keep the opposition guessing because it's important all teams evolve,” Cooper he added.
It didn't stop there.
The back row seemed more willing to back their passing game to unlock little rushes.
"That game was very positive for us with some young guys coming in, some old guys coming back.
"It's a little different not seeing our old coach [Ewen McKenzie], but we are all excited by the new ideas Richard is bringing,” Cooper added.
The Reds' second pre-season match is this Friday, 14 February, at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane against the Melbourne Rebels.
The Reds' regular season starts February 22, with clashes on the road to the Brumbies and the Waratahs, before their first match at Suncorp Stadium against the Cheetahs on Friday, March 7.
