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http://www.redsrugby.com.au/library/...rce,68332.html
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
QR Reds coach Phil Mooney says former Western Force player Digby Ioane will take it as a "mark of respect" if he receives a hostile crowd reception when running on for the Reds at Subiaco Oval on Friday night.
Ioane joined the Reds last year but missed the match against the Force at Suncorp Stadium.
He scored three tries in a trial game against the Force at Ballymore this year and has been the Reds' main strike weapon in 2009, converting from wing to outside centre.
Mooney said if Ioane's first appearance back at Subiaco does attract boos it will be because he was such a good performer for the Force in 2006-7 before opting to return to Queensland.
“I think he takes that (booing) as a mark of respect, as he did so well when they (the Force) originally took him,” Mooney said.
“Now he has come home and he’s playing very well for us.”
Against the Chiefs last weekend, Mooney shifted Ioane to the wing in the second half as the Reds’ rookie wingers were being monstered by the world class back three of Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga.
However Mooney insists he will stick with Ioane at 13 and give Blair Connor and Rod Davies another opportunity.
The team will be announced tomorrow and while Mooney is leaving a light on in the window for the possible early return of injured wing Peter Hynes (knee), the final lineup is likely to be little changed,
“One bad performance doesn’t make you a bad player or a bad team,” he said of the criticism of the back three, in particular.
“The guys performed very well the game before so there won’t be a lot of changes, if any.
“We’re aware we need to be better this week and the boys have gone about their work so far with good enthusiasm.”
Mooney said the Reds had moved on from holding any grudges against the Force for signing a host of Reds players during their inaugural season, believing the position of both clubs on the ladder (11th and 12th) was motivation enough.
“Both teams are obviously in a desperate situation with where we’re placed on the table.
“And it is a derby game, so I guess Robbie Deans will be watching this one a little closer.”
The last time the two met at Subiaco, Ioane secured a try in the Force’s 38-3 win. The Reds gained revenge in 2008, winning 29-12 at Suncorp Stadium.
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