Brad’s the man for Reds

FORMER Wallabies coach Robbie Deans believes Brad Thorn can be a success as Reds boss because of his winner’s make-up and ability to inspire.

The fast, frenetic footy in store today and tomorrow will give Queensland fans a glimpse of the future when the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens take over Suncorp Stadium.

Ten-a-side is far removed from Super Rugby but coaching novice Thorn’s demand for his players to fight harder in defence and as a team should resonate in any form of footy.

Thorn’s big call to sideline Quade Cooper from his squad came four years after Deans did the same, jettisoning the playmaker from the 2-1 home Test series defeat to the British and Irish Lions in 2013.

Deans was not commenting on the right or wrong of Thorn’s call when he said being able to make big decisions was imperative.

“That’s the coach’s life ... that’s reality,” said Deans, who will coach Japan’s pacy danwas

germen from the Panasonic Wild Knights at the Tens. “Brad’s a bloke who likes to win.’’

With former All Blacks whiz Carlos Spencer in the Blues line-up at 42, Thorn admitted with a grin that there appeal to lacing on the boots as a Tens wildcard at 43 for the Reds.

“(It’s) very tempting but I don’t see it as my format unless it was maybe 20-a-side and I could pick-and-go for 20m,” Thorn said.

Powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou, quicksilver wingers Izaia Perese and Filipo Daugunu, line-busting captain Samu Kerevi and wild-haired new hooker Brandon PaengaAmosa shape as strong Tens factors for the new-look Reds side.

The home side faces the Blues (2.44pm) and Melbourne Rebels (6.36pm) in pool play today.

The Tens tournament for 12 top sides is a useful step toward what Thorn wants the newlook Reds to stand for in their Super Rugby opener in Melbourne on February 23.

“I want to see competitive spirit, I want to see fight in the team and I want our supporters to see a team giving their best effort for plus-80 minutes if that’s what it takes,” Thorn said.