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THE honeymoon period is over for Reds boss Richard Graham, who must fortify his coaching cred with back-to-back wins in New Zealand.
Graham, 41, would always have expected comparisons with title-winning predecessor Ewen McKenzie even if he was in charge of a winning outfit.
He's certainly prepared for criticism over a losing record now the Reds (3-5) have made their worst start to a Super Rugby season since 2009.
"You're always going to be judged in this position. It comes with the territory," Graham said on Monday.
"People want the Reds to be successful. That's not just the players but Queensland, the organisation and me.
"My expectations are incredibly high just as they have been from day one in this job."
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Graham has the full backing of Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael.
It was Carmichael who initiated the audacious swoop on Graham as a long-term Reds coaching choice when he was still at the Western Force in 2012.
Beating the Hurricanes in Wellington (April 26) and the Blues in Auckland (May 2) is the tough double to keep the Reds' finals hopes afloat after this weekend's rejuvenating bye.
Not being ruthless finishers in try-scoring positions and inconsistency from half to half are recurring issues that must be addressed.
"We've made 16 more line breaks than the Reds did at this stage last season so better capitalising on the chances we are creating is a big thing," Graham said.
"We've counted six to eight clear try-scoring opportunities that have not been taken and too many unforced turnovers."
Graham stressed no one in the Reds camp was being panicked into a complete overhaul of game style.
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"I think Plan A is not far from working. I don't want to throw it out and bring in Plan B when that would only unsettle the group," Graham said.
Winger Dom Shipperley (hip) and centre Mike Harris (achilles) are expected to be fit for the New Zealand tour but Graham will still study what potential short-term backline signings are out there.
"At this stage we are just exploring but it's important to be ready just in case," Graham said.
Prop Ben Daley, available for the Hurricanes game after beating a knee injury, said the resolve in the squad remained strong.
"Everyone is trying their guts out so no one is pointing the finger or laying blame," Daley said.
"We've had periods of good footy where the confidence is there for all to see and just some periods off the pace where there have been some seeds of doubt.
"Consistency is what we are searching for. I can tell you we all hate losing and we are every chance of making the finals again."
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