Rugby: Lam leaps to defence of Brett

Stephen Brett. Photo / Getty Images

The Blues predict an attack-dominated Super rugby semifinal spectacle tomorrow night to rival their eight-try exhibition with the Reds when they last met in Brisbane although coach Pat Lam's first priority was to launch a strident defence of maligned playmaker Stephen Brett.

The Japan-bound pivot's defensive frailties were back page news when the squad awoke this morning, a rarity considering Queensland is otherwise obsessed with next week's State of Origin rugby league decider and the prolonged farewell of a five-eighth who can do no wrong, Maroons legend Darren Lockyer.

Brett's duel with mercurial Wallabies No 10 Quade Cooper is already considered to be a no contest at Suncorp Stadium with the Reds expected to prey on the New Zealander's tackling deficiencies by piloting plenty of traffic down his defensive channel.

But Lam took umbrage at The Courier Mail newspaper article which proclaimed "He's the weakest link" alongside a photograph of Brett lining up a goal kick during practice.

Brett did miss five of six tackles attempted against the Waratahs in last weekend's semifinal qualifier in Auckland although Lam was quick to back a player he relegated to the bench after the Blues squandered a matchwinning lead against the Stormers on May 20.

"That's been said all season," he bristled when asked whether Brett was a defensive liability.

"The same was said about Quade Cooper, Kurtley Beale. Everyone targets the 10," he said.

Lam insisted there was no doubting Brett's determination, particularly after some poor option taking contributed to the Stormers surging to an unlikely 28-26 victory -- and his demotion.

"Whenever you drop a player you want to see their reaction from it and since that Chiefs game (when Brett was a second half substitute) his performances are getting better each game.

"A lot's made of his mistakes but every player makes them. What I want from a player is character and strength of mind and that he's shown in the last three or four weeks."

Lam was also confident Brett would not be scarred by his last experience against the Reds on May 13 when the Blues gave their hosts a 24-point head then closed the deficit to three before his clearing kick was charged down and replacement hooker James Hanson pounced to seal a 37-31 victory.

"He was disappointed but it's what you do from there," Lam said.

"There's two roads to go, the one where you sulk and you don't be seen again or you dust off the dirt, stand up and get going again. That's what Stephen's done over his career."

Blues captain Keven Mealamu also backed Brett, suggesting the criticism was a bit rich considering Cooper is hidden out of the firing line when the Reds defend a set piece.

"I find it funny when their 10 ds (defends) up at fullback," he said.

Ironically, Cooper's ebullient approach to the game is also seen as a potential barricade to the Reds hosting next weekend's final, although so far he has enjoyed a dream season.

Lam admitted viewing Cooper and coaching counterpart Ewen McKenzie's handling of his star with a degree of envy.

"It's a credit to Ewen," he said.

"He's allowing Quade to do what he does, he's not trying to hold back the flamboyance. That breeds confidence if he's got the trust of his coach, peers and teammates."

McKenzie said he had no fear of Cooper spoiling the Reds' title charge with a moment of madness.

"I don't lie awake worrying about that. He understands the big stage and he's played on it plenty of times already and delivered," he said.

"That's his personality. He's not afraid of the big stage and he likes to be challenged. His decision-making under pressure has matured."

Cooper exuded confidence when considering the biggest game of his Super rugby career.

"I won't be adjusting my game at all. I'll be going out there to be the same player I've been all year," he said.

Meanwhile, the Reds have history as well as one of world rugby's X-factor players on their side tomorrow.

A team who qualified fourth have not beaten a top-seeded side since the Crusaders won their Super 12 semifinal against the Reds at Ballymore in 1999, and the last visiting team to win a semifinal were the Brumbies at Sydney in 2002.

- NZPA