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Brad Thorn addresses speculation around his Reds future

Brad Thorn, coach of the Reds looks on from the coaches box during the round 13 Super Rugby match between the Rebels and the Reds at AMI Park on May 10, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Brad Thorn hasn’t stopped for 30 years but admits he needs to find time soon to figure out his next move.

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The Queensland Reds coach is off contract beyond this year, Thorn transitioning instantly from player to coach in 2017 after more than two decades of dominance in rugby league and union.

“If I could have some time to sit down and think about some stuff that’d be good,” Thorn said when asked what the future holds.

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“This year’s my 30th year; just nonstop, I haven’t really thought about any of my career.

“I’ve got a four-kid family, teenagers. It’s actually hectic; lucky to know what day it is.”

But he might find a moment over the next two weeks.

The Reds have only played in Brisbane once this season but will host the defending champion Crusaders and Brumbies on consecutive Fridays in what shapes as a pivotal fortnight in their season.

A frustrating, ill-disciplined loss to the Melbourne Rebels last weekend saw them drop to 2-3 and summed up their 2023 campaign.

Thorn recognises the irony, given his reputation as one of the most well-drilled players in his time.

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“I had my moments,” he smirked.

“People would probably say different things about me.

“It’s (the Reds’ ill-discipline) around the park. There’s different things that add up but at the moment what we know is that it’s really hurting us and has to change.”

The former All Black and Kangaroo’s remarkable resume would ensure he’s in demand on both sides of the ditch, in either code.

And a Rugby World Cup to follow this Super season presents another employment avenue for Thorn should a Test coach require his services.

As for the Reds, he said their form this year would influence if he wanted to stay on but not be the sole factor.

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“What’s best for the club is the best result,” he said.

“There’s a lot of things that come into what you’re doing next, a whole heap at play.

“What’s best for the family, for club, how the team’s going.

“This is an important part of our season… that’s what I’m focused on at the moment and it’s pretty hectic, foo t to the floor.”

The Reds gave away nine first-half penalties against the Rebels and Thorn knows they’ll be picked to pieces if they offer the Crusaders the same.

But there is belief the side, without Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami (knee) for at least six weeks but boosted by the return of lock Angus Blyth (ankle), can match the long-time powerhouse.

“You can have potential but at some stage you’ve got to realise it,” Thorn said.

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Oh no, not him again? 2 hours ago
England internationals disagree on final play execution vs All Blacks

Okay, so we blew it big time on Saturday. So rather than repeating what most people have all ready said, what do I want to see from Borthwick going forward?


Let's keep Marcus Smith on the pitch if he's fit and playing well. I was really pleased with his goal kicking. It used to be his weakness. I feel sympathy for George Ford who hadn't kicked all match and then had a kick to win the game. You hear pundits and commentators commend kickers who have come off the bench and pulled that off. Its not easy. If Steve B continues to substitute players with no clear reason then he is going to get criticised.


On paper I thought England would beat NZ if they played to their potential and didn't show NZ too much respect. Okay, the off the ball tackles certainly stopped England scoring tries, but I would have liked to see more smashing over gainlines and less kicking for position. Yes, I also know it's the Springbok endorsed world cup double winning formula but the Kiwi defence isn't the Bok defence, is it. If you have the power to put Smith on the front foot then why muzzle him? I guess what I'm saying is back, yourself. Why give the momentum to a team like NZ? Why feed the beast? Don't give the ball to NZ. Well d'uh.


Our scrum is a long term weakness. If you are going to play Itoje then he needs an ogre next door and a decent front row. Where is our third world class lock? Where are are realible front row bench replacements? The England scrum has been flakey for a while now. It blows hot and cold. Our front five bench is not world class.


On the positive side I love our starting backrow right now. I'd like to see them stick together through to the next world cup.


Anyway, there is always another Saturday.

7 Go to comments
C
CO 2 hours ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

Robertson is more a manager of coaches than a coach so it comes down to intent of outcomes at a high level. I like his intent, I like the fact his Allblacks are really driving the outcomes however as he's pointed out the high error rates are not test level and their control of the game is driving both wins and losses. England didn't have to play a lot of rugby, they made far fewer mistakes and were extremely unlucky not to win.


In fact the English team were very early in their season and should've been comfortably beaten by an Allblacks team that had played multiple tests together.


Razor has himself recognised that to be the best they'll have to sort out the crisis levels of mistakes that have really increased since the first two tests against England.


Early tackles were a classic example of hyper enthusiasm to not give an inch, that passion that Razor has achieved is going to be formidable once the unforced errors are eliminated.


That's his secret, he's already rebuilt the passion and that's the most important aspect, its inevitable that he'll now eradicate the unforced errors. When that happens a fellow tier one nation is going to get thrashed. I don't think it will be until 2025 though.


The Allblacks will lose both tests against Ireland and France if they play high error rates rugby like they did against England.


To get the unforced errors under control he's going to be needing to handover the number eight role to Sititi and reset expectations of what loose forwards do. Establish a clear distinction with a large, swarthy lineout jumper at six that is a feared runner and dominant tackler and a turnover specialist at seven that is abrasive in contact. He'll then need to build depth behind the three starters and ruthlessly select for that group to be peaking in 2027 in hit Australian conditions on firm, dry grounds.


It's going to help him that Savea is shifting to the worst super rugby franchise where he's going to struggle behind a beaten pack every week.


The under performing loose forward trio is the key driver of the high error rates and unacceptable turn overs due to awol link work. Sititi is looking like he's superman compared to his openside and eight.


At this late stage in the season they shouldn't be operating with just the one outstanding loose forward out of four selected for the English test. That's an abject failure but I think Robertson's sacrificing link quality on purpose to build passion amongst the junior Allblacks as they see the reverential treatment the old warhorses are receiving for their long term hard graft.


It's unfortunately losing test matches and making what should be comfortable wins into nail biters but it's early in the world cup cycle so perhaps it's a sacrifice worth making.


However if this was F1 then Sam Cane would be Riccardo and Ardie would be heading into Perez territory so the loose forwards desperately need revitalisation through a rebuild over the next season to complement the formidable tight five.

28 Go to comments
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