How Reds plotted Drua’s downfall

Defence was key in Queensland Reds bonus 21-6 win against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacifi c round six clash at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Saturday.

Reds head coach Les Kiss said they did their homework after seeing the Drua’s two consecutive wins at home against Hurricanes and Brumbies in round three and five, respectively.

He said the victory was a significant one.

“Huge respect we had for the Drua, I think it was represented by the way that we approached our defense to keep them try-less,” Kiss who is also the new Wallabies head coach said.

“An unbelievable effort by the boys, but that was about the respect we had for the games they’ve had against the Brumbies and the Canes.

“They’re pretty lethal when they attacked, so I think that laid the foundation for us, a great defensive effort that gave us a chance to make sure we got what we needed out of the game- and not only the win, but the bonus point was important.”

He said their dissection of the Drua worked in their favour as they end their winless drought on Fiji soil.

Kiss added that they were unhappy with some aspects of their games despite the win.

“We do analysis, which is proven through the defensive work we did, but we’re making sure that we continue to grow our game.

“Credit to the boys, they just keep challenging themselves to be better at things.

“We weren’t perfect, but no game of rugby is perfect, and we found the right solutions at the right time today, so we were happy with that.

“Our focus has been trying to grow our game, and respect each opposition to what their strengths are, and hopefully it’ll be good enough to be able to be better than their friends.”

Captain Harry Wilson said the victory was sweet and special.

“It’s obviously a really big day for us on Jock Campbell’s 100th match for Queensland, which was a massive honour,” he said.

“We know how hard to play here. Obviously, Reds have had a lot of attempts over here and we hadn’t won. So it was a big day for that.”

He applauded his side for a tough defense denying the Drua any chance of scoring.

“We really wanted to defend well and try to put them under pressure and we did that,” Wilson said.

WILSON RATES URU

Wilson added that lock Seru Uru was a special player for the Reds.

The Reds were hosted in Lautoka on Friday. “Seru could play second row or back row, and he’s skilful, really good in the tight, lineout and set piece.

“I know how special it was for him to come back here. He went to his village yesterday and I think he got about 60, 70 tickets for the game too.

“It was really special just for him to come home, get a win here in front of his friends and family. And we love playing for him.”

Uru is the son of former Fiji 7s star forward Tuidriva Bainivalu.

Kiss said it was also special to have former Flying Fijian fi rst fi ve eight Ben Volavola earn his debut off the bench for the Reds.

“He didn’t get as much time as he would have liked, Ben, but it was great to have that calming, experienced voice for the bench, and he did well.

“I thought our bench really performed well as well. They came on and made some critical tackles when they needed to. They added to our scrambled defense where we needed to, because, you know, the Drua were trying to really push that ball around and get some opportunities.

“Ben, a consummate professional, it was great for him to have his Reds debut with us. Fantastic."