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Andrioli felt his team deserved a “better outcome” last Monday night against the Bulls at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. “You learn that you have to be more clinical and take your opportunities,” the Brazilian mentor said. “For us, it’s about doing what we did well last week but being more clinical with our chances (against Auckland).” Following their loss, the Reds travelled straight to Auckland from Sydney, with Andrioli saying the extended time away together had given his squad and staff more chance to “connect”. “We’ve got a good group with great chemistry among the players and staff, so that’s not an issue at all, but being away together gives us a bit more time to connect, to talk to individuals, and to keep strengthening those relationships,” he said. “The boys have been positive, and we’re looking forward to putting in a strong performance (on Saturday at Go Media Stadium). “Some players did really well last week, and others know there are areas to improve, so it’s important to give them that continuity to get better. We’re ready to go.” Andrioli said Auckland, last season’s Premier’s Plate winners, would be tough to beat on New Zealand soil. “They’re a very good team that had a great season last year and haven’t changed much in terms of players or their style,” he said. “They defend well, they attack well, and they make things difficult for you. “We know we can create opportunities with the players we have and the way we play, but we also need to defend strongly as a team. If we do both sides well, we can get a result.”
