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Queensland fight back but lose final trial match by two point against Blues
January 30, 2009
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html
QUEENSLAND Reds fought back from 26-14 down to match the Blues in the try count but not on the scoreboard, losing their trial match 26-24 on Friday night.
Both Super 14 sides scored four tries but the visitors missed with a last-minute conversion attempt that would have secured a draw.
Reds coach Phil Mooney was satisfied with the result, seeing enough progress despite some rustiness certain facets of play.
“The signs are very promising,'' Mooney said.
“If we limit the turnovers we'll be much better.''
Reds fly-half Quade Cooper reveled in his return match, threatening the defence almost every time he had the ball.
He was happy with his first game back and said he couldn't wait for the competition to start.
“We've stepped up another level on last year, you could see out there today how far the boys have come compared to this time last year.''
After a fumbling opening by both sides the Blues were first to score when full-back Paul Williams capitalised on some missed tackles inside him to cross in the corner.
As well as being over-anxious with their passing, the Reds also overdid the kicks, several times putting the ball out on the full.
The bright signs began to emerge midway through the half when Cooper's passing became more precise.
He put Braid into a gap with a pinpoint pass and then followed that with another to wing Digby Ioane that caused trouble for the defence.
Cooper finally opened the scoring himself when he wrestled his way over the line after a jinking run and then a deft Cooper chip kick gave Anthony Faingaa a try under the posts.
Cooper's second conversion gave the Reds a 14-7 half-time lead.
The Blues tied it up again just after half-time when the Reds were a man down, captain Greg Holmes yellow carded for what referee Garrett Williamson decided was one team foul too many.
Giant back-rower Jerome Kaino crossed and Michael Hobbs converted.
Wing Rene Ranger put the Blues into the lead with a try when the Reds were back to full strength and Taniela Moa scored their fourth to put them out to 26-14.
Reds No.8 Leroy Houston pulled one back when he followed a jinking run by replacement wing Blair Connor but Cooper's conversion attempt was wide.
Some alert work by the Reds backs gave Connor room to again show his pace and evasive skills to cross for the final try of the match. However the conversion attempt by Ben Lucas missed and the Blues prevailed.
Sounds like an encouraging start - did any of our dropbear mates attend?
I doubt it, the game was in Auckland
Nup... the Northern board is closed for another couple of weeks... they can't get past the Gold Coast...![]()
"...lose final trial match..."
They planning to forfiet against the Force![]()
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
You know they probably could have got those 2 points using their frequent fly miles…...who's the team manager?
Great result for the Reds- almost beat an almost full strength Blues with an almost full strength Reds team in an away game. Usually you see the Blues high up on the pre-season/early season form but they've lost two and struggled at home against the Reds. I could really do with a first up win this year. Perhaps I shouldn't go to Subi Oval. The Force never win when I am there. Cursed.
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast.
Any offers to chip in to pay James for his Blues ticket?
We can even set you up with a moderate bartab atduring the match as insurance
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"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
meh, i take all trial form matches with a hint of caution..
I remember watching a nrl trial match, Broncos vs Storm in Toowoomba back in 2006 where the Broncos were absolutely smashed, something like 58-0.. Anyway, Broncos were eventual premiers that season.
Another example is the NAB cup, how much of that form transfers into the AFL season.
Last edited by TOCC; 30-01-09 at 21:51.
I have the feeling that coaches and players really want to win their trial matches this year... though its the only time the coach will get a chance to tryout fringe players with out points risk... So a trial is an assessment and nothing more... Players need to be assessed on individual skill as well as fitting into the squad play style. It s chance to find weaknesses and address them before week 1 kick off…
The Super 14 being such a short tournament teams can't afford to take long before they step into gear...
Yeah look you can't read the world into it sure but you can't ignore it either.
A full strength Bulls played a full strength Cheetahs last night. Cheetahs won. That says something. Either a) The Bulls are still shitty or b) The Cheetahs have really improved since last year.
Thats a team with 2 front-line Springboks beating a team with 8 front-line Springboks (including Matfield, Botha, Spies, Steenkamp and du Preez).
Bulls also lost a big one against the Lions 44-21.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Bulls stay in the double digits this year rankings wise.
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast.
the main thing you can take out of trial matches is individual performances and not the team structure as a whole..
coaches are playing players out of position to test them, and as a result team cohesion is going to suffer, defensively and and in attack.
But if a player has a great trial match, then that is pretty dam relevant.