EMBARRASSED REDS VOW TO BOUNCE BACK
QUEENSLAND skipper Liam Wright has vowed that one horror half of football would not derail the Reds’ season.
The Reds are out for redemption on Saturday night against the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium, after being thrashed 45-12 by NSW.
The heavy weekend defeat has resulted in Queensland – who were undefeated after three matches – dropping to fourth on the Super Rugby AU table.
Wright and his Reds were embarrassed by their first-half display at the SCG, with the Waratahs up 38-0 at the break.
“It was an uncharacteristically bad half from us and it cost us dearly,” he said.
“We let them get way too far ahead. We just didn’t start the way we wanted to and it got away from us pretty quickly. We can’t hide from it.
“We didn’t show much fight in that first half.
We executed really poorly. We didn’t adapt to the conditions.
“Everything they tried worked and, conversely, everything we tried didn’t.”
Wright said the build-up to the match had been tough following the death of Queensland star Jordan Petaia’s father.
“It was a very emotional few days. Jordy is a big part of this team and the whole Reds family’s hurting,” he said.
“(But) out of respect for them, we don’t want to use that as an excuse (for the loss).
“Ultimately, we’ve still got to turn up and do them proud.”
Petaia did not play against the Waratahs, and it’s unknown whether he will return this weekend when the Reds seek to bounce back after successive losses.
“We’re not abandoning ship … I don’t think there are any guys too worried in this team,” Wright said. “When we do stick to our processes and play to our guns, it does work out.”
“It’s open for everyone, this comp now. It’s going to make for an exciting last few weeks for the fans. We’ve just got to get back on the horse.”