The Reds were forced to make more than twice as many tackles as they bravely defended their tryline to win 20-16 at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval.
There was plenty to like about the Waratahs’ intensity, physicality and some attacking interplay but they will feel they blew this one.
So what did we learn?
1 NO TUPOU, NO SCRUM
The Reds have real issues ahead at scrum-time this season. When scrum rock Taniela Tupou (back spasms) pulled out in the warm-ups, the Reds were badly exposed.
They gave away a string of scrum penalties against a Waratahs scrum that is not rated one of the best in the competition. That may be changing. Where prop Harry Johnson-Holmes was once a liability, he has stepped up big time.
If the Reds lose Tupou again for any future matches or even rest him for 40 minutes they run the risk of losing a platform to attack. On top of the exit of strong-scrummaging hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa to France during the off-season it means the Reds have a potential glass jaw. Cue smiling faces in Canberra.
2 TOP DEFENCE WINS TIGHT MATCHES
Take a bow Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight and Co.
The trysaving tackles by Flook, McReight and Tate McDermott were superb but it was how patiently the Reds held to their defensive system and covered line-breaks that was just as vital. McReight was non-stop with 18 tackles.
This was an enthralling slogfest in the wet because you just couldn’t see the Waratahs losing for large chunks of it yet somehow the Reds always hung in.
3 EXPERIENCE COUNTS
The Reds showed their calm and poise to maximise every point on offer while the Waratahs squandered plenty of chances.
Those are marks of experience and another team still learning how to win a tight one. That last wonky lineout throw from hooker Tom Horton for the Waratahs...he’d love that one over.
Full credit to Reds flyhalf James O’Connor for being alert enough to spot winger Jordan Petaia’s angled running line inside the last defender midway through the first half. The crossfield kick hit the target. Seven points.
Equally, when the Reds had a chance late in the game they pressured with a string of pick-and-go plays before lock Ryan Smith burrowed over.
This was a big show of depth by the Reds with injured trumps Tupou, Hunter Paisami, Liam Wright, Suliasi Vunivalu and Tate McDermott nowhere to be seen for the second half.
4 GLUT AT No.8
Harry Wilson produced another fine display as Queensland’s main ball-carrier.
Making 14 ball-carries and 14 tackles is a big night even before getting to his breakdown work.
Credit too to Will Harris. The try-scoring Waratahs No.8 is a top prospect. Add Rob Valetini and even Tim Anstee into the No.8 mix and the country is well off for young talents who will only improve.
5 JAKE GORDON
The Waratahs captain and halfback means everything to his team with his quick darts, scheming, organising and growing partnership with flyhalf Ben Donaldson.
Another top class match from the skipper.
