Duo set to step right in at Reds
ROOKIE Liam Wright and Kane Douglas have been earmarked to replace the Queensland Reds’ reckless tackle duo for Friday night’s clash against the ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium.
Reds skipper Scott Higginbotham and Lukhan Tui were both uncertain of their status for the game when a SANZAAR Foul Play Committee met yesterday to discuss their offences.
No. 8 Higginbotham was sent off against the Melbourne Rebels last Friday night when a no- arms tackle was judged as dangerous and making contact with the head of Melbourne Rebels lock Matt Philip.
Lock Tui was cited when a dumping tackle on Will Genia was judged at red card level after he copped a sin- binning during his team’s 45- 19 loss.
The Reds trained yesterday at Ballymore with all forwards on deck. Douglas is vastly experienced and started for the Wallabies in the 2015 World Cup final so will easily step up if needed.
Wright is just 20 and made his debut in the closing 20 minutes against the Rebels. The Durban- born youngster nearly dotted down for a try in that period and his football sense is one of the assets that appeals to coach Brad Thorn.
Wright has height and skill and his leadership has contributed to the Reds squad in offseason training already.
At some point the Reds have to look in the mirror and realise how poor their discipline is. The Reds gave away the most foul play penalties ( 32) last season and conceded the most yellow cards ( 13) in Super Rugby and this season has started in the same vein.
The stance on any tackle connecting with the head has firmed to a zero tolerance for those who have followed trends in the northern hemisphere season since last year.
Only last week, Wasps back Gabiriele Lovobalavu has handed a four- week suspension for a dangerous tackle when it was judged his shoulder struck the head of an Exeter player in a reckless tackle.