Rival coaches Ewen McKenzie and Pat Lam believe all the ingredients are assembled for a “high-octane” Super Rugby encounter, befitting Friday night’s top-of-the-table contest at Suncorp Stadium.
McKenzie’s Queensland Reds can regain pole position in the competition with their 11th straight win at their home ground, but are wary of a dangerous Blues outfit who are just as eager about a trip to dry Brisbane.
The Aucklanders have shown a new-found resolve to go along with their talent, grafting out tight wins in the wet over the Highlanders and Hurricanes to increase their unbeaten streak to nine.
Just one try in 160 minutes of rugby has still prompted criticism from their fans, but Blues coach Lam has signalled his men are relishing the thought of being unshackled against the equally-entertaining Reds.
Lam’s desire had also been helped by his ability to recall All Black playmaker Luke McAlister to inside centre and fringe Test lock Anthony Boric to a more-balanced forward pack.
“Hopefully, that challenge brings out the best in us,” McKenzie told AAP. “It has in the past so there’s no reason to assume it wouldn’t again.
“It hasn’t always been high-octane (by the Blues) but the intention and ability is always there.
“You can’t just make that up overnight, and they can hit their straps at any point in time.”
Queensland had made a habit of knocking off highly-credentialled sides under McKenzie in the past two seasons, and he also felt the prospect of an open, attacking game would suit both sides, as well as a crowd tending towards 30,000.
“If you look at their players, shifting the ball around is their bag and that’s what they’re good at and I don’t imagine they enjoy playing anything other than that,” he said.
“They’re a bit similar to us, and they find ways (to win) along the way.”
Halfback Will Genia, who scored a first-minute try in last year’s 27-18 loss to the Blues in the wet at Ballymore, warned the Reds needed to muscle up first up front after being overpowered in 2010.
Genia rates the Blues’ strength in their pack as comparable to South African sides and feels his forwards need to come to the game expecting a highly-physical battle.
While the Reds (45 points) would remain at the top of the Australian conference with a loss, it would allow the Waratahs (36) to close within five competition points thanks to their bye.
With matches against the Crusaders and Chiefs to come, Queensland are also keen to taste success against a Kiwi outfit, after slipping up against the Hurricanes in Wellington a fortnight ago.
johnny-boy
Guest
JB - it's great to see someone had the guts and balls to support and back their team. And the great thing there is tons of room for improvement from the Reds. No doubt there'll be a heap of gobbling going on but man this is fun isnt it. Ha ha ha ha ! :)
johnny-boy
Guest
Hey JB - you bloody beauty :)
johnny-boy
Guest
C'mon boys. You've had a couple of spluttering games. Go you good things ! Anxious against the Tahs and a bit complacent against the Hurricanes, as well the new boys struggling with the start. Fair enough. But now is the time to regain your mojo, in the fortress ! I'm looking for a really big game from Wallace Harrison and Tapuai at IC. Wallace Harrison has been fantastic coming on and really giving the Reds a lift right when needed. He can play his way in to the Wallabies here. I hope he really sticks it to the Blues big time (with control of course) because this might be the real difference at the pointy end of the game. And Tapuai has looked great when he's been on. Just tackle son, tackle smart, tackle smart, tackle smart and hard and there's no better to do it with than the bloke next to you, A. Fainga. And Quade - please, unleash the beast :). I know you can do it. Let's see it man !