McBain: We must lift our game
February 14, 2002

Queensland coach Mark McBain says his team must lift its intensity and improve its attitude after Wednesday's 60-26 thrashing at the hands of Auckland.

The Reds returned to Australia today, aware they must play a lot better in the Super 12 season-opener against the ACT Brumbies if they are to challenge the defending champions.

"We have 10 days before we take on the Brumbies and we'll be doing plenty of work to make sure we are ready," he said. "I am extremely disappointed with the performance - I have never been involved with a Queensland team that conceded 60 points.

"It's not the end of the world by any stretch of the imagination but we've got to sort a few things out. Overall the enthusiasm and the attitude's just got to lift. I don't believe we're very far away."

Expecting to name a 22-player squad for the Brumbies match, but won't finalise his starting line-up until next Wednesday at the team's season launch in Brisbane.

Despite the loss last night and a 26-19 defeat at the hands of the Canterbury Crusaders last weekend, McBain says nonetheless the team's preparation this year is ahead of where it was this time last year.

But McBain also pointed out that the use of six more players by their opposition, an avoidance of penalty goal attempts by the Reds and repeatedly missed infringements by the referee had contributed to the nine tries scored by Auckland.

Front row and the wings remain the most contentious selections for the Reds' first game, with league recruit Wendell Sailor having played his first full game for the team, with McBain saying he "didn't go too bad".

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