The Reds have earmarked their encounter with a misfiring Cheetahs team as the game in which to bounce back.

The Reds suffered a disappointing 5 / 32 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney at the weekend, and are one from two after a 10-point win over the Brumbies the previous week.

rugby365

They return to Brisbane to face the Cheetahs, in their first home game of the season, this Friday.

The Cheetahs, after a First Round loss to the Lions, edged the Bulls in Week Two, before a complete meltdown against the Rebels last Friday – a 14 / 35 loss.

Reds head coach Richard Graham said his side would be eager to make amends.

“We’re obviously disappointed,” Graham said of his own team’s blow-out at the weekend.

“They [the Waratahs] are a good side and we gave them too much momentum in the first half,” he added.

“We’ve got a short turnaround to our next game, hosting the Cheetahs in Brisbane on Friday.

“That’s the perfect opportunity for the team to bounce back from this disappointment.”

The Reds’ only try came from Lachie Turner late in the first half, while the Waratahs crossed four times through Israel Folau (twice), Kurtley Beale and Peter Betham.

A strong point for the Reds were the line-outs, where they continued to win ball on the Waratahs’ throws, stealing five in all in the match.

James Horwill stole one of those in the Reds’ 22 on 55 minutes and good pressure when the ball was cleared downfield saw the Reds win a penalty.

Horwill won another line-out against the throw on 60 minutes to diffuse another dangerous situation.