Reds vs Highlanders

[TOCC]

hmm, well not a whole lot to say, highlanders have won 3 on the trot and are looking good

1 Greg Holmes (Sunnybank)
2 Sean Hardman (Brothers)
3 Laurie Weeks (University)
4 Hugh McMeniman (Wests)
5 James Horwill (c) (University)
6 Scott Higginbotham (Wests)
7 Daniel Braid (Sunshine Coast)
8 Ezra Taylor (University)
9 Brendan McKibbin (Brothers)
10 Quade Cooper (Souths)
11 Brando Va'aulu (University)
12 Berrick Barnes (Wests)
13 Digby Ioane (Sunnybank)
14 Peter Hynes (GPS)
15 Mark McLinden (Sunnybank)

16 Saia Faingaa (Souths)
17 Jack Kennedy (Souths)
18 Adam Byrnes (University)
19 Leroy Houston (Norths)
20 Richard Kingi (Norths)
21 Charlie Fetoai (Sunnybank)
22 Luke Morahan (University)

quite a few changes from last week, Hynes and Vaalu back from injury, Lucas out injured.

One to watch: Luke Morahan
I said it last week, if this guy wasnt in the Australian 7's squad he probably would have been starting against the Force. Only 18 years old, but a great prospect, he is the 2nd overall try scorer in the IRB 7's circuit in 2009 and seems quite talented.

Richard Kingi is also reserve halfback, he is 20yrs old but developing quite well, he is the top point scorer in the IRB 7's in 2009.

[AndyS]

Is it next week for Genia?

[TOCC]

yeah, genia back from the ban next week, just in time IMO, the Reds have performed badly since he was banned

[AndyS]

Should be an interesting game, seeing how strict structure deals with open play (and vice versa).

[GIGS20]

yeah, genia back from the ban next week, just in time IMO, the Reds have performed badly since he was banned

I've gotta say I was Glad Genia wasn't available for the Force. He is much more dangerous than Lucas IMHO.

[AndyS]

I'd've said so too, but I don't think Lucas was fully fit either - rushed back for the make-or-break game and is now bust again.

[TOCC]

Mooney said Lucas could probably play against the highlanders, except that his injury just wasnt improving, so his decided its best to rest him.

[tic]

I agree that Lucas has looked unfit for weeks amd the Reds have really missed Genia and Hynes. I'm interested in young McGibbin - some good wraps on him.

[James]

I reckon the Reds are going to win this one. The Highlanders may have won a few but that'll lull them into a false sense of security and the Reds will be out to prove themselves after two hard weeks.

[GIGS20]

It's certainly a possibility, the Reds will play excellent spoilers to teams that take them lightly.

[tic]

Big call. The last two weeks have shamed the Reds and had many asking serious questions about the psychology at the club. They certainly have the cattle this year to be knocking on the door of the top four, but the problem is the 6 inches between the ears. They have a culture of folding which is proving very difficult to shift.

But, I hope you are right.

[oxleymoron]

This is a game where neither team is used to starting as favourites. The highlanders pack have it all over the reds and they are probably better at the breakdown with Thompson and Setephano. I would rate the highlanders backs a little behind the reds (not by much) but the highlanders have more to play for and will be too strong.