After last week’s injury toll decimating the fragile Reds line-up on a limited scale compared to the Chile earthquake, the expectant tsunami to hit the New Zealand coastline was felt 6 days later than originally predicted. Down 15~nil after 11 minutes the Reds mustered what playing stocks remained and came back to upstage the hitherto undefeated Chiefs in Hamilton by 23~18 overcoming a 5-year drought.

The boy, Quade Cooper, from Waikato, who came to Brisbane as a young teenager, laid to rest his voodoo like shockers against the team he once aspired to be part of and guided the Reds to an historic victory. Pairing in the halves with new skipper, Will Genia, they were able to unleash the new-look back three to a standard demanded by the Super 14 competition. Cooper’s kicking of 5 from 6 attempts, opposed to Waikato’s no. 10 Stephan Donald’s 1 from 5, was crucial in allowing the Reds parity with the All Black studded returnees to the Chiefs outfit and eventually win the match.

Former All Black loose forward and now Reds vice-captain, Daniel Braid, also had another inspired performance opposing his brother Luke to aid the Reds cause. His decisive kick 50m downfield off a Mils Muliaina drop ball that was pounced on by young super-slick Wallaby tourist, 19-year old Luke Morahan, in the 63rd minute for a five-pointer that Cooper converted, put the Reds ahead 23~18. Braid was also responsible for maintaining that scoreline with his exemplary defense until the final whistle.

Captain Will Genia commented, “We really dug deep and it was an outstanding effort.” Further adding, “A lot of people questioned our depth but our young guys really stood up.”

This match truly shows the re-invigorated input that new coach Ewen McKenzie has instilled in his players. Injured fullback Peter Hynes reiterated earlier tributes saying, “Ewen has brought a wealth of knowledge, especially to the forwards, having coached at that level with the Waratahs and working with the Brumbies and Wallabies.”

Where the Reds take this renewed faith is up to them. The die-hard supporters have had that faith for a long time; it is only now that the players are starting to believe in it themselves. This has also come with the maturing of the side.