Reds hunt rare feat in top-four Super Rugby battle
Melissa Woods |
Captain Tate McDermott is expecting flanker Fraser McReight to rise to the challenge as the Queensland Reds try to nail a rare Super Rugby Pacific win against the Brumbies in Canberra.
McDermott has only savoured one victory in the nation’s capital in his Super career – a two-point win in 2021 – with the Brumbies boasting triumphs in 10 of their last 11 home clashes with the Reds.
Little has split the teams, with each of their last six meetings at the venue decided by six or less points.
The Brumbies also ran out winners on the Reds’ home turf in April, which McDermott said “definitely hurt”.
Queensland overcame NSW last round in a tight battle, with Test No.7 McReight regaining his red-hot early season form after being sidelined for almost a month with a shoulder injury.
He had 14 tackles, 14 carries and forced key turnovers in the seven-point win.
Lining up against fellow Wallabies backrowers in Tom Hooper and Rob Valetini as well as openside flanker Rory Scott, McDermott predicted McReight to again lift.
“Fraser was easily the best player in Super Rugby the opening couple of weeks and then unfortunately hurt his shoulder so I think what we saw on the weekend from Fraser was he’s well and truly back to himself,” McDermott said.
“Just his involvements and how influential those involvements were at key moments.
“He was everywhere for us on the weekend and was our best player on the field.
“I know he’s got high standards of himself and he wants to repeat that performance and I’m looking forward to seeing him go toe-to-toe with some of their backrowers as well.”
Reds first-choice flyhalf Tom Lynagh (concussion) has been replaced by Harry McLaughlin-Phillips while the Brumbies will be without injured Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio with Declan Meredith the starting No.10.
There’s plenty on the line for both teams with two rounds remaining after this weekend before play-offs, where the top three teams will host quarter-finals in week one.
The Reds currently sit fourth while the Brumbies are second behind the Chiefs.
“It’s do or die if we want a home final, it’s as simple as that for us,” McDermott said.
“Those home quarter-finals, semi-finals are at stake but for us it’s about winning all of our next three games and nothing’s bigger than the battle in Canberra, the one right in front of us.”
The Reds were forced to complete their captain’s run in Brisbane on Friday after their morning flight to Canberra was cancelled.
Re-booked on an afternoon flight, McDermott said it wouldn’t impact their preparation.
AAP
