Before a ball had even been kicked, new Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss had to be “tempered down” according to star forward Harry Wilson, such was his determination to prevail in the age-old rivalry clash with the Waratahs.
And in a triumphant 40-22 showcase at Suncorp Stadium, the new era for the club began the way the 60-year-old promised, as his players displayed a willingness to chance their arm and a refusal to fear failure.
Tate McDermott celebrates a Reds try
A contentious yellow card for New South Wales teenage phenom Max Jorgensen, which resulted in a penalty try, no doubt will divide the Super Rugby Pacific public. But what will unite Queensland’s rugby faithful is the expansive and attacking brand rolled out in Brisbane.
No man perhaps summed up the 2024 mentality more than Jordan Petaia.
The 23-year-old’s inauguration as the Reds’ new fullback, having fended off a stern challenge from Jock Campbell to claim the job, was electric, enigmatic and everything you would expect from the Wallabies star.
There were errors in his game – guilty of conceding three turnovers, losing his footing in the lead up to Dylan Pietsch’s first try, and the odd lacklustre clearance kick.
And yet what will no doubt please Kiss was the way in which he kept coming back.
First it was his work to orchestrate the inevitable penalty try, bursting into the clear down the right-hand touchline to put winger Suliasi Vunivalu in the clear.
The grubber back in field, despite the eventual Jorgensen interference, was right in Petaia’s supporting path.
Beyond that, there was the occasional moment of madness, a kick from off the ground rather than regathering possession remarkably finding touch deep in the Waratahs half.
Amongst it all, Petaia’s running game looked threatening – running for 75m from eight carries in a signal of the intent he could bring to the No.15 jumper.
Campbell will continue to push for the job, having impressed throughout the trials, and next week’s clash with the Hurricanes will no doubt prove a greater test for how forgiving Petaia’s errors may be in exchange for the magic instances.
But early signs suggest the attacking brilliance can be unlocked at the back if given the time to shine.
How did Jorgensen’s card change the game?
In a nutshell, the yellow card to Jorgensen proved telling in what was an otherwise close battle until that point.
Given the incident occurred on the stroke of half-time, the Waratahs began the second stanza without their star fullback and trailing 21-15.
From there, Queensland began to get a roll on – Matthew Faesller, Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight all crossing coming out of the sheds.
A fortunate Pietsch try in which he attempted to pass back inside, only for Hunter Paisami’s deflection to land straight back in the winger’s hands, was the only time New South Wales would trouble the scoreboard after the penalty try.
Ready for the Kiwis?
There was plenty to like about the Reds season launch, but are they ready for a formidable test against the Hurricanes next week?
Petaia and Paisami in particular looked to flourish in attack when given the chance to run and could pose problems for their rival Kiwi defences.
Queensland’s efforts at the maul also reaped rewards, scoring twice after refusing to take shots at goal from close range and instead opting to kick for touch.
The more momentum they gained the better they looked, even towering forward Seru Uru putting in a perfect kick to force a scrum five metres out.
Daniel Botha looks dejected after his team’s loss to the Queensland Reds.
In defence there were strong signs, with all three Waratahs tries also coming from Queensland mistakes.
However, Kiss’ men will need to limit the amount of turnovers they conceded if they are to give the Hurricanes cause for concern.
The Reds conceded 14 turnovers, and it would be hard to imagine their Trans Tasman rivals being as forgiving in this area.
What was pleasing, however, was the scrum strength, as Wallabies star Zane Nonggorr engaged in a heated battle with Angus Bell.
If Queensland are to make a dent across the ditch, the 22-year-old will need to fire, and former All Blacks prop-turned Red Alex Hodgman was confident the man could do it.
“He’s shown what he can do at Wallabies level. Because I’m a bit older and come from a different group, it’s how can I work with him?” Hodgman said.
“How can I grow this chemistry where I’m not stepping on his toes and he’s not stepping on mine, and how can we work together? We’re getting the most out of each other.
“He’s a strong man, he’s really strong in the gym, but I think the cool thing about Super is it doesn’t matter if you’re in your first year or 10th year or whatever, it’s what can you do in that moment?”
Paisami issues Schmidt message
An injury-ravaged campaign left Hunter Paisami on the Wallabies outer, limited to just six games for the Reds last season, but a permanent shift to inside centre appears to have rejuvenated him.
The 25-year-old carried with ferocity when given the chance, epitomised by the way he charged onto a Tate McDermott pass from close range – beating one defender and fighting his way through another to score the first try of the night.
While he got few chances in open space, Paisami showed enough to suggest his strength will be a major drawcard if his form line continues once new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt makes his first national selections.
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