Reds in for a French-fry?
Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:00
Reds coach Phil Mooney has kept faith with the bulk of the Reds side that began in last Saturday's 19-48 defeat to Leinster, as he prepares for the final game of the team's European tour - against French outfit Nice on Wednesday.
However, the Reds boss warned that victory has now become vital if they hope to take some benefit from this tour into next year's Super 14.
Coming off the back of playing their best rugby so far against their toughest opposition in their final Irish game of the tour - against Leinster at Donnybrook, the Reds will give it their best shot in France to try and come away with a win.
Youngsters like Rod Davies, Aidan Tuoa and Anthony Faingaa have impressed along with numerous other young stars on the three game Irish section of the tour and their coach feels a change of scenery is the perfect final platform for them to shine on.
"France presents a different culture and different language, so with that comes a bit of the unknown and excitement I think," Mooney said.
"Again, it takes the boys out of their comfort zone and it will certainly be a different challenge for them.
"We are starting to feel the pinch a bit and maybe getting them to a different place might just pick them up a little.
"Our goals will remain the same as they have been for the entire tour and we will say that to the lads," added Mooney.
"We have been very very pleased with the effort of the lads, but the reality is that effort does not win you games.
"We are here to improve as a team that plays in the Super 14 and Saturday provided the opportunity to see which guys can perform under pressure.
"That gives the coaches an insight into who we think can push for Super 14 positions.
"On the other hand, in terms of the result, we have to remind people that we had three boys out there who have not even played senior rugby at home yet, just Under-19s, and we are chucking them in the deep end to improve."
Within the context of the lack of experience the young Reds' squad has had compared to its opposition, the three losses has not been a fair reflection of their performances and improvement.
While each game presented a higher standard of opposition than the last, their first half display against Leinster proved there is a lot of potential in the squad and with a settled side heading into the final game of the tour, anything is possible.
Reds: 15 Rod Davies, 14 Aidan Tuoa, 13 Charlie Fetoai, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Luke Morahan, 10 Ben Gollings, 9 Will Genia, 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Poutasi Luafutu, 6 Jake Schatz, 5 Robert Simmons, 4 Van Humphries, 3 Jack Kennedy, 2 Albert Anae, 1 Greg Holmes (captain).
Replacements - from: James Slipper, Shon Siemonek, Adam Byrnes, Scott Higginbotham, Brendan McKibbin, Jono Lance, James Harvey, Andrew Shaw.
Date: Wednesday, September 3
Venue: Stade des Arboras, Nice
Kick-off: 19.00 GMT
