Perese card sees the Reds run free

THE Waratahs’ will not only have to contend with suffering a heavy loss to the Reds to kick off their Super Rugby AU campaign, but are also sweating on the injury to captain Jake Gordon and a possible ban for Izaia Perese following his red card.

- ADAM ELLIS

Head coach Rob Penney struggled to find any positives from the trip to the Suncorp Stadium, as the Reds claimed a five-try 41-7 victory in Brisbane.

After Michael Hooper and Rob Simmons completed moves overseas, scrum-half Gordon took up the captaincy duties last month but could now miss the majority of the competition with what the ‘Tahs fear is a serious ankle injury.

“It looks like syndesmosis – a high ankle sprain – but it’s too early to tell and he is on crutches,” said Penney. “It will be a big loss. We have just appointed him as our new captain but we do have a young leadership group behind him.”