Refreshed after the bye and rejuvenated by the return of seven key players, Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham is confident his side can turn around their Super Rugby fortunes.
The embattled Reds are back to work following a three-day break and have received a significant boost in the return of seven key players to full training, ahead of what looms as a season-defining month of rugby.
Quade Cooper, Greg Holmes, Ben Daley, Beau Robinson, Samu Kerevi, Lachie Turner and James O'Connor will all be available for selection for Queensland's next match, at home to the struggling Lions next weekend, after returning to the training paddock on Thursday.
"It was great to have them all involved and it was enjoyable as a coach to see plenty of smiles and enthusiasm," Graham said.
"We tinkered with a few aspects of our play and will continue to implement those adjustments today."
Bottom of the Australian conference and second-last in the overall Super Rugby standings, the Reds endured a disastrous start to the season and won just one of their first five games amidst an injury crisis that at one point sidelined a whopping 14 players.
But as their casualty ward progressively lightens over the next few weeks, expectations will rise - not only on the Reds, but on Graham, who is fighting for his job.
Graham said their bye week has come at the right time.
"It was beneficial for everyone to have a short mental and physical break from rugby," he said.
"We have been through a tough period but, with the exception of the Brumbies, the other Australian franchises sit close.
"The Force have only secured one win whilst the Rebels and Waratahs sit on two."
After tackling the Lions, the Reds have three consecutive away games against the Melbourne Rebels, Bulls and Cheetahs.
Graham anticipates recruit Hendrik Tui, Rob Simmons, Ed O'Donoghue and Jamie-Jerry Taulagi could return from injury for the tour of South Africa, while Karmichael Hunt's suspension expires on the Monday before the Rebels clash.
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