“I’ve solely ever seen it [the goal line defence] as soon as from this group like that, and that was final 12 months in opposition to the Chiefs, so it was a little bit of déjà vu, really.
“I believe we did an excellent job within the first half controlling the ball, the second half we are able to look again on it with fairly a bit to work on – we have been fairly sloppy in areas – however we simply saved exhibiting up.
“If I used to be to place one thing on it, I believe it was the stress we placed on in defence and our scramble.”
Vunivalu of outdated returns
On season’s eve, Suliasi Vunivalu threatened that the winger of outdated was nearing – the previous NRL flyer who hunted for work within the again discipline and frequently terrorised defences.
That sentiment was on full show for the Reds come Saturday night time, because the Fijian forged apart a lacklustre introduction to 2024 with a palpable exhibiting.
Final week within the extra-time defeat to the Hurricanes, Vunivalu ran simply eight metres from 4 carries. The week prior within the win over the Waratahs, he ran for 25m from one other 4 runs.
By halftime in opposition to the Chiefs, the previous Melbourne Storm sensation had 111m to his identify from eight possessions, a pair of line breaks making use of stress and resulting in Fraser McReight’s attempt to break a first-half impasse.
Vunivalu linked up strongly with fullback Jock Campbell, who was parachuted into the facet with Jordan Petaia out as a result of concussion, and signalled that his preseason type was no flash within the pan – operating for 115m and developing with some clutch cowl tackles.
Kiss, nonetheless, mentioned Vunivalu’s efficiency had been looming over the course of the marketing campaign’s opening weeks, it was merely a matter of getting the alternatives to shine.
“I do sure stats on each recreation, and Suli has been closely concerned – it’s simply what you don’t see off the ball,” he mentioned.
“His work off the ball has been an enormous step-up for him, and he’s began to construct that in a repeatable approach. Right now, we simply noticed him take that further nit of confidence.
“He took the road on and created a little bit of havoc at instances and received some good run metres. I don’t assume that’s a one-off, I believe it’s been there as a result of he’s labored so exhausting off the ball turning up in locations in defence and assault and on the ruck.
“He’s been working exhausting, and I simply assume once you work exhausting generally you get the gravy at one other time, and he received some good work for us as we speak. It was nice to see him in full flight.”
McLaughlin-Phillips’ enormous take a look at, Flook to maintain O’Connor on the outer?
At simply 19, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has confirmed unflappable beneath the microscope.
However after enduring the heartbreak of final week’s Hurricanes’ defeat, how he would reply in opposition to the Chiefs may show telling for the the remainder of his profession.
Coming into the fray across the 52-minute mark, the previous Junior Wallabies star didn’t shrink back from the problem as his rivals took a four-point lead.
McLaughlin-Phillips was fast to sink a penalty objective, earlier than placing in a brilliantly weighted long-range grubber into the clear – a fortuitous bounce evading the fullback and discovering the palms of Queensland’s Josh Flook to attain.
First alternative five-eighth Tom Lynagh was courageous in his stint and took a heavy beating at instances, however ought to he fail to back-up in opposition to the Rebels, Kiss can relaxation straightforward understanding his teenage prospect had the instruments to thrive within the No.10 jumper.
“His composure is one thing I’ve been actually impressed with. We clearly threw him in at No.12 final week, and Harry’s by no means educated at 12, however he took it with each palms,” McDermott mentioned.
“However he doesn’t complain, he simply needs to play footy and loves taking part in footy, and he’s somebody who’s clearly battling head-to-head with Tommy Lynagh, however they’ve received a very good relationship, and so they bounce stuff off one another.
“Tommy’s kicking recreation is sensible, and that’s one thing Harry must emulate. Likewise together with his operating recreation, that’s Harry’s power and Tommy’s making an attempt to develop that facet.
“It’s a very good downside to have within the facet having two 10s, and you then’ve received guys like James O’Connor there pulling the strings, Lawson Creighton as properly.
“It’s a very wholesome relationship and an excellent stability for the staff to have.”
Talking of O’Connor, will the Reds’ most capped Wallaby even have the ability to drive his approach into the staff?
The veteran of 64 Take a look at caps has been sidelined for the opening exchanges of 2024 with a hamstring damage, however is on the cusp of saying his comeback.
However the type of outdoors centre Flook, with standout centre Hunter Paisami additionally anticipated to return from concussion subsequent week, and instantly O’Connor’s path again turns into clouded.
And Kiss confirmed that if the 33-year-old was to re-enter the fold, he must do it the exhausting approach.
“We’ve purposely tried to maintain the staff collectively as a lot as potential up till this level simply to get that stream on. There clearly shall be some modifications alongside the way in which, nevertheless it’s an extended season,” Kiss mentioned.
“Lawson and Jame’s worth will are available someplace, the place that’s I can’t let you know, however the expertise that Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips have had within the final three or 4 weeks is invaluable.
“I’d wish to assume no place is actually protected, however that’s an amazing state of affairs to have within the staff. They’re going to must earn their approach again into that facet for positive.”
Damage prognosis and development: Some troops down, others to return
Already reeling from the lack of a key trio previous to kick off, Kiss shall be compelled to await protocols on one other duo forward of their conflict with the Melbourne Rebels.
Sef Fa’agase left the sector on the stroke of half-time for a head damage evaluation and didn’t cross the protocols, leaving one more gaping gap within the Reds’ pack.
Kiss confirmed he had solely seen the prop briefly post-game, and was uncertain whether or not he can be cleared to play on Friday night time, however he supplied extra blended information for his already sidelined contingent.
He was assured Paisami and Petaia can be cleared to take the sector, and they might be assessed once more inside the subsequent two days, however revealed star recruit Alex Hodgman would probably be saved out for 3 to 4 weeks working his approach again from a shoulder damage suffered in opposition to the Hurricanes.