REDS

Tuesday 30th January 2007

The Reds are a team in trouble - at least that's how it seems. Back in the days of Super 10 they were a force and after that always a team to be reckoned with, one always capable of an upset, a gutsy team.

But they now appeared to be a side that's going to struggle throughout the competition.

Even with the arrival of Eddie Jones as head coach, they simply don't have the depth to succeed in this year's Super 14 competition.

Ben Tune is the most injury prone player in Australia and can hardly be considered a youngster these days, Berrick Barnes has not lived up to the promise of his Rugby League career, Rodney Blake was slaughtered on the international scene, and their stalwart and outstanding player Chris Latham is now out injured.

Its not looking pretty for the side that finished twelfth last year and we expect them to go one worse.

Strengths: You can look to new coach Eddie Jones as a positive and you can look to the passion that the Reds are famous for. Some will even add new Rugby League convert Clinton Schifcofske to this list. But overall not too much to enthuse about.

Weakness: No real depth in the squad and they've lost their key play-maker in Chris Latham. We've seen to little of Schifcofske to make a call on him as a Rugby Union player just yet, but overall it appears the squad lacks that something special that will set it apart.

Noteworthy signings: Clinton Schifcofske (from Rugby League, Raiders), Ben Coutts (from Sale Sharks), Charlie Fetoai (from League, Broncos), Ryan Nicholas (from Japan, Suntory), Ed O'Donoghue (from Worcester), Ben Coutts (from Sale Sharks), AJ Gilbert (from NSW)

Noteworthy losses: Tim Atkinson (no contract), Mark Connors (retired), Elton Flatley (retired), Julian Huxley (Brumbies), Steve Kefu (Castres), Chris Latham (out injured), Drew Mitchell (Western Force)

Coach: Eddie Jones comes with a huge rugby coaching pedigree - following his success with the Brumbies. But his reputation took a knock during his last year with the Wallabies, in 2005. The former Brumbies mentor succeeded Jeff Miller in the Reds' role at the conclusion of the inaugural Super 14, with many looking at Jones to provide a quick fix to the Reds' ills. But they may need to be very patient, as Jones is unlikely to be able to incorporate the same style in Brisbane, for one needs George Gregan and Stephen Larkham to play that game.

Captain: The skipper remains unchanged in John Roe. Roe was appointed as captain of the Reds in April 2005, and quickly stamped his leadership style on the team. That earned him second and third terms as captain. He is one of the Reds' most reliable and effective players, who is equally at home at number eight or blindside flanker.

Player(s) to watch: No doubt the entire state of Queensland is hoping that Rugby League recruit Clinton Schifcofske will provide the spark that will be missing, through Chris Latham's injury enforced absence. But, like with Jones, they may be expecting too much. Hugh McMeniman has been compared with the legendary John Eales, but he too has a long way to go yet. Ryan Nicholas will need to bring some stability to the midfield.

2006 Position: 12th
Best finish: 1st and semi-final in Super 12 in 1996 and 1999
Worst finish: 12th in Super 14 in 2006; 10th in Super 12 in 2004 and 2005
Home Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (capacity 52,500)

2007 Prediction: It can only get worse for the Reds. 13th

Reds squad: Geoff Abram, Ole Avei, Berrick Barnes, Nic Berry, Rodney Blake, Andrew Brown, Caleb Brown, Mitchell Chapman, Quade Cooper, Sam Cordingley, Ben Coutts, David Croft, Charlie Fetoai, AJ Gilbert, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes, James Horwill, Peter Hynes, Lloyd Johansson, Anthony Mathison, Hugh McMeniman, Tom McVerry, Stephen Moore, Ben Mowen, Ryan Nicholas, Peter Niumata, Ed O'Donoghue, John Roe, Clinton Schifcofske, Cameron Treloar, Ben Tune, Henari Veratau.

Schedule:

3 February: v Hurricanes, home
9 February: v Crusaders, away
17 February: v Brumbies, home
24 February: v Blues, away
3 March: v Lions, home
9 March: v Highlanders, away
16 March: v Western Force, away
24 March: v Chiefs, home
30/13 March: BYE
7 April: v Sharks, home
14 April: v Waratahs, away
21 April: v Cheetahs, home
28 April: v Stormers, away
5 May: V Bulls, away

By James White