Connolly helps end Reds’ misery
THE Queensland Reds staged a stunning 58-point turnaround to end a tumultuous week with a 46-29 Super Rugby spanking of the Melbourne Rebels in Brisbane yesterday.
Queensland were smashed 58-17 by the Canterbury Crusaders last week and rushed in former Wallabies coach John Connolly to help end a demoralising run of outs.
The Reds trailed 17-6 only to reel off 35 unanswered points to finish six tries to four winners over the Rebels.
It was a huge tonic for the Reds and their beleaguered head coach Richard Graham after just two wins in their previous 11 games to nestle at the bottom of the Super 15 standings.
Former Reds coach Connolly was hired as a consultant to help the under-fire Graham and gained an immediate reward with the Reds’ best showing of a disastrous season.
The Rebels looked set for a third straight win when winger Sefanaia Naivalu scored two runaway tries to set up an 11-point lead after 36 minutes.
But on the back of a dominant forward pack, the Reds hit back to lead 46-17 in a one-sided 32-minute spell to claim victory, supplemented by a scoring bonus point.
Winger Lachie Turner scored two tries, with others going to Rob Simmons, debutant fly-half Jake McIntyre, Chris Feauai-Sautia and impressive openside flanker Liam Gill.
Fullback James O’Connor cashed in with five conversions and two penalty goals for a 16-point haul.
The Rebels crossed for two late consolation tries when the contest was all over to claim a four-try bonus point.
“We had a massive effort and emphasis on winning the collisions tonight and really turning up in defence,” Reds skipper James Slipper said.
“It was about looking at everyone’s backyard first before we started pointing any fingers and everyone was given a responsibility to make sure they were doing the absolute best job they could do.”
Melbourne captain Scott Higginbotham said his team did not have the ball for long periods in the second half and paid the price.
The Reds are at home again next weekend against South Africa’s Sharks, while the Rebels begin their South African tour against the Stormers in Cape Town. – AFP