Scrum doctor impressed by Reds pack - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Scrum doctor impressed by Reds pack

By Jim Morton and Adrian Warren 12/02/2010 09:39:01 PM Comments (0)

Scrum doctor Alec Evans believes the unheralded and unfashionable Reds pack can lay the foundations for major Super 14 upset at Suncorp Stadium.

While Queensland are equipped with a dangerous backline, their forwards are much maligned and not expected to challenge the Waratahs' set-piece authority.

But Evans, the renowned former Wallabies forwards coach, has praised the influence of new Reds coach Ewen McKenzie in transforming his pack.

"Their attitude is just fantastic," said Evans, who has assisted McKenzie coaching the scrum. "They're on a big learning curve but they have improved a lot.

"It's a big test for them this week against a well-coached NSW pack but I'm confident.

"Without saying too much I'm sure we can keep a level playing field there."

Players like Ben Daley, Laurie Weeks, Adam Byrnes and Scott Higginbotham cut their teeth in the Super 14 under Phil Mooney and have the chance to prove their credentials and cement places under McKenzie.

Evans was the Reds forwards coach in 2006 when they started the season against NSW at Suncorp Stadium and the first scrum exploded in punches.

He predicted another fiery clash on Saturday night as the Queenslanders confront a Test strength front row and back row.

"I don't think there will be any room for the faint-hearted," he said. "It's obviously Queensland v NSW.

"NSW will be professional and precise (but) it's not always about being precise and you just never know how people respond to the pressure."

Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh stressed the importance of discipline as a return to full-arm penalties from the free kicks of last year's experimental laws could see goalkicking play a major role.

Reds defector Berrick Barnes and his former playmaking buddy Quade Cooper will handle the kicking responsibilities which could decide the match.

"Discipline is certainly a massive part of the game I think," Waugh said.

"Penalties are important, as is goalkicking, goalkicking is going to be very important."

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news