Rugby: Reds need defence

Queensland coach Phil Mooney admits he may need to temper his side's attacking style after the Reds stumbled to their second humiliating Super 14 loss in as many weeks.

The Reds, pumped 50-26 by the Chiefs last week, conceded five tries against the Force in their 39-7 loss in Perth on Friday night.

It was a defeat that not only ended Queensland's faint finals hopes but also had Mooney questioning whether his side's attack-at-all-costs mentality was more trouble than it's worth.

"The last two games have been worrying," a deflated Mooney said.

"Whether it's a case of some of the younger guys starting to believe that's the way they've got to play because that's what people are saying - we certainly do need to temper it and be more direct and mix it up.

"One of the things with a young side is trying to get that consistency. The reality is we've got guys that are very raw in terms of senior footy, let alone Super 14 football. We feel that where we want to go is still achievable with this group, we just need to be a lot better backing up week in, week out.

It's an important test for us now. James [captain James Horwill] mentioned in the dressing room after the game we can go two ways from here.

"We need to show a lot of spirit and we need to work hard to make sure we do turn it around next week against the Highlanders."

Halfback Ben Lucas suffered a recurrence of a rib injury in the second half against the Force.

But with reserve Will Genia still out suspended, Mooney said he had little choice but to persevere with his injured charge.

Hooker Sean Hardman is in doubt for next week's clash with the Highlanders in Invercargill with a knee injury but Mooney said Wallabies winger Peter Hynes and fellow back Brando Va'aulu would return to bolster the squad.

Mooney hoped inexperienced wingers Blair Connor and Rod Davies learned some valuable lessons from the past fortnight.

"The important thing is they do learn from it because we can't continue to learn lessons like that," Mooney said.

"The young guys have had some exposure and they need to be better the next time they get it."

The win over the Reds lifted the Force (17 points) back to within striking range of the top four.

- AAP