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Bold Reds aim for finals
AAP | Tuesday, 22 January 2008
Bold Reds aim for finals - Rugby news & coverage - Stuff.co.nz
Super 14 rugby wooden spooners the Queensland Reds are determined to "stop the rot" and go from laughing stocks to finalists in one season.
New coach Phil Mooney yesterday declared his team capable of making their embarrassing end to 2007 a distant memory when the competition kicks off next month.
After suffering a record 92-3 loss to the Bulls in their last match under Eddie Jones, Queensland are aiming to regain the respect and success enjoyed up until 2002.
"As a group we're determined to stop the rot of the last couple of years," Mooney said at today's season launch.
"No 1 we don't want a repeat of Pretoria last year so we want to be able to hold our heads high after every game and earn the respect of opposition teams and the people that come and watch us," said the Reds' sixth coach in eight years.
"We have seven home games this year, albeit difficult games, and we're certainly aiming to make the semifinals.
"Judge us on the two levels, the manner of the performance and hopefully that will get us into the finals.
"If we can get everyone on the park, it's a handy team.
"Certainly not the 14th best team in the Super 14."
Queensland boast a tight five of rising Wallabies and have the attacking excitement of Chris Latham, in his swansong season, and improving first five-eighth Berrick Barnes.
The Reds do have better depth with the recruitment of the likes of elusive winger Digby Ioane, New South Wales centres Chris Siale and Morgan Turinui, and powerful No 8 Leroy Houston.
But they also have problem areas behind a strong run-on team with stocks light on in props, centres and at halfback, where veteran Sam Cordingley must make a problem-free return from a lingering foot injury.
Playmaker Berrick Barnes, who will be rested from Saturday's opening trial against New South Wales in Sydney, believes a first-round win over the Highlanders at home on February 15 was crucial to bold transformation plans.
"I think the key to us is starting the season well," said the Wallabies World Cup revelation.
"You start well you never know what confidence can breed."
In a welcome change from previous seasons, Queensland have a full squad to call on after altering their training methods to ensure peak fitness and availability.
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