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AAP
Laine Clark
May 7, 2014, 9:42 am
Try telling Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham they can't salvage their Super Rugby season.
Four straight losses, a spate of injuries and a new head coach under mounting pressure - there are plenty of reasons to doubt a Reds resurgence.
Their finals hopes may now lie in the dreaded "mathematically possible" category but Graham was confident on Wednesday it would not take much to spark his 12th-placed side.
"We haven't spoken about us being out of the running of anything," Graham said ahead of Sunday's Suncorp Stadium clash with the in-form Crusaders.
"The formula is simple - stick tight as a group and there will be a catalyst that brings change.
"It could be something simple like a referee awarding a try rather than disallowing a try."
Graham must be hoping it is that simple.
Queensland's rugby chiefs still back Graham for the long haul but their patience will be tested if the 2011 champions' fall from grace continues.
In his first season since taking over from Ewen McKenzie, Graham has watched his side steadily get worse as the season progresses, typified by last round's 44-14 thumping at Auckland.
"Coming into the role I knew what was ahead of me," Graham said.
"Obviously you don't plan for the losses.
"You can't listen to people outside or the media and their opinions.
"You have to focus on the group and make change.
"Ultimately we are in it together. The solution is within the team and I think the group understands that."
However, Graham - last year's defence coach - did take aim at himself after the Reds conceded 15 tries in their last four games.
Last year they let in 23 in 16 matches.
"That is probably something I am critical about myself," he said.
"The last two weeks we have focused heavily on our attack.
"But certainly this week we have a big focus on rectifying that and make sure we defend well."
Another big headache is his injury list.
Dom Shipperley will come into the backline for Chris Feauai-Sautia (shoulder, season) while Graham will finalise by Friday replacements for flankers Liam Gill (calf) and Ed Quirk (rib) and prop James Slipper (three week lifting tackle ban).
Graham admitted he had never seen a string of back three injuries like he had this season.
There was some good news - Crusaders captain and 2013 World Player of the Year Kieran Read (concussion) has again been ruled out.
"I am happy he is not playing," Graham said.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sp...r-rugby-spark/
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
What was missed from this interview.
"The formula is simple - stick tight as a group and there will be a catalyst that brings change. (because as a coach I have no idea what to do)
"It could be something simple like a referee awarding a try rather than disallowing a try." (we will have to be lucky and have a blind ref)
May the FORCE be with you!
King Dick! What a train wreck Qld rugby is at the moment.
I hope he stays in the job… it'll keep Gus here
Great game, Fucken battled right through to the 80!
For what it's worth I totally agree with SNOB and WFDS!!! What a PLONKER!!
If that's the best he's got, he may as well get his coat now!! What CEO would be inspired by that 'wing and a prayer' analysis?!! Far out!
Pontius Pilate: So, yaw fatha was a Woman? Who was he?
Brian: He was a Centurion, in the Jerusalem Garrisons.
Pontius Pilate: Weally? What was his name?
Brian: 'Naughtius Maximus'.
Pontius Pilate: Centuwion, do we have anyone of that name in the gawwison?
Centurion: Well, no, sir.
Pontius Pilate: Well, you sound vewy sure. Have you checked?
Centurion: Well, no, sir. Umm, I think it's a joke, sir... like, uh, 'Sillius Soddus' or... 'Biggus Dickus', sir.
Pontius Pilate: [guard chuckles] What's so funny about "Biggus Dickus? "
Centurion: Well, it's a joke name, sir.
Pontius Pilate: I have a vewy gweat fwiend in Wome called 'Biggus Dickus'.
Pontius Pilate: Silence! What is all this insolence? You will find yourself in gladiator school vewy quickly with wotten behaviour like that.
Brian: Can I go now, sir?
Pontius Pilate: Wait till Biggus Dickus hears of this!
Pontius Pilate: Wight! Take him away!
Centurion: Oh, sir, he - he only...
Pontius Pilate: No, no. I want him fighting wabid, wild animals within a week.
Centurion: Yes, sir. Come on, you.
Pontius Pilate: I will not have my fwiends widiculed by the common soldiewy. - - Anybody else feel like a little... giggle... when I mention my fwiend... Biggus ... Dickus?
Pontius Pilate: What about you? Do you find it... wisible... when I say the name... 'Biggus'...
Pontius Pilate: ... Dickus?
Pontius Pilate: He has a wife, you know. You know what she's called? She's called... 'Incontinentia'... Incontinentia Buttocks
Last edited by sittingbison; 11-06-14 at 16:28.
The long sobs of autumn's violins wound my heart with a monotonous languor
The only spark i'm expecting to see coming from QLD is the spark to light the fire underneath Graham when the northern troglodytes burn him alive after a fruitless season with him at the helm.
"Obviously you don't plan for the losses"
They just come naturally with Plonker Graham as coach.
Graham's coaching is like my golf:promises everything;delivers nothing
"You can't listen to people outside or the media and their opinions.
Translates as "Too scared to see what shit everyone is laying on me in case it's true and I have to explain!" Maybe he should get together with Troy for a drink - er I mean, a coffee.