The impending arrival of James O'Connor at Ballymore is one of rugby's worst-kept secrets. Photo: Getty Images

Richard Graham has promised a no-holds-barred autopsy at the end of Queensland's Super Rugby campaign, which comes to a potentially grisly end against the flying Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

It has been a year of humbling and bumbling for the Reds after a grand final win in 2011, followed by two seasons of finals football. This time, the Waratahs have a home semi in the can, while the Reds will be free to book tee times after just five victories to date.

There will be a player exodus as the Reds make room for James O'Connor and potentially Karmichael Hunt, who would add significant firepower to a backline that already features young prospects Chris F'Sautia (injured) and newcomer Samu Kerevi.

Reds coach Richard Graham. Photo: Getty Images

But the prospect of a brighter 2015 can't paper over the cracks of a season that sunk deeper in Perth when the Reds had all the momentum but couldn't get over the top of the Force, who keep their finals hopes in tact going into the final round.

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Sub-par defence and an alarming lack of execution in attack have been the hallmarks of Queensland's campaign, a stark contrast to the glittering rugby that was played by many members of the same squad just a few seasons ago.

Regardless of the result against the resurgent Waratahs, Graham said there would be no pulling punches when the curtain came down, saying everyone would face a forensic assessment of their role in the side, from the coaching staff down.

"I think part of the review is to make sure you're better going forward. You can be honest, move forward and look to get things right, or you can go the other way and continue to drift. That process will be honest and thorough," Graham said.

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Richard Graham promises thorough Reds review as decks cleared for arrival of James O'Connor

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July 7, 2014 at 11:55 am by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Decks