Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham retains belief they can salvage their Super Rugby season despite four consecutive losses and a spate of injuries that have seen him under mounting pressure in his first year at the helm.

Richard Graham is under mounting pressure in his first season as Queensland Reds coach © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Article: Reds aren't dead yet says Daley

The Reds' finals hopes now lie only in the "mathematically possible" category, but Graham says his 12th-placed side don't need to find much to rediscover the winning feeling.

"We haven't spoken about us being out of the running of anything," Graham said ahead of the match against the in-form Crusaders in Brisbane on Sunday.

"The formula is simple: stick tight as a group and there will be a catalyst that brings change. It could be something simple like a referee awarding a try rather than disallowing a try."

Graham must be hoping it is that simple.

Queensland's rugby chiefs still back Graham for the long haul, but their patience will be tested if the 2011 champions continue to fall from grace.

In his first season since taking over from Ewen McKenzie, Graham has watched his side produce steadily worse performances, typified by their 44-14 thumping by the Blues in Auckland last week.

"Coming into the role I knew what was ahead of me," Graham said. "Obviously you don't plan for the losses. You can't listen to people outside or the media and their opinions. You have to focus on the group and make change. Ultimately we are in it together. The solution is within the team and I think the group understands that."

But Graham - last year's defence coach - did take aim at himself as the Reds have conceded 15 tries in their past four games. Last year they conceded only 23 in 16 matches.

"That is probably something I am critical about myself," he said. "The last two weeks we have focused heavily on our attack. But certainly this week we have a big focus on rectifying that and make sure we defend well."

The Reds' injury list has also provided a headache.

Dom Shipperley this week will come into the backline after Chris Feauai-Sautia sustained a season-ending shoulder injury, while Graham is yet to finalise replacements for flankers Liam Gill (calf) and Ed Quirk (rib). James Slipper will also miss the Crusaders match after being handed a three-week ban for a lifting tackle against the Blues.