The Reds were a pillar of strength in a weakened Australian conference this season, and a dominant 13-3 record has been rewarded with a bye in the first week of finals, and home ground advantage against their New Zealand counterparts the Blues.
Coach Ewen McKenzie will no doubt have used the extra rest to freshen up his forward pack, who will be crucial in setting a platform for Queensland’s creative pivots Will Genia and Quade Cooper.
The fortnight break has allowed Digby Iaone, Anthony Faingaa and Beau Robinson back into the fray, although the Reds will be without Wallaby prop James Slipper.
A sluggish start off a bye week is simply not an option for the Reds in the pressure cooker of a semi-final, and it is worthwhile noting that after each of their regular season byes they have performed strongly, thrashing the Rebels 53-3 and grinding out a 17-16 against the Crusaders in what was a watershed moment for McKenzie’s emerging team.
Both of those wins were at their home fortress, Suncorp Stadium, and their 7-1 record at home also included a 37-31 win over Auckland in Round 13, and an expected crowd of over 50,000 could be a ‘16th man’ to get them over the line.
Their opponents beat an injury-ravaged Waratahs unit last Friday night and will fancy their chances against a team with minimal Super finals experience, and Australian five-eighth Cooper must shine on centre stage, ensuring early ball for a dangerous backline to get at the Blues’ defence.
It has all the makings of a classic, and in a first at The Roar we’ll be running two separate blogs – one for the Reds, and one for the Blues. Pick a team, or jump in for discussion on both sides from 7.30pm AEST on Saturday night.
Last Five: Blues 3, Reds 2
Overall: Blues 8, Reds 7, 1 draw
Betting: Reds $1.45, Blues $2.70
Face the Facts
Guest
I hope Ewen makes Will Genia write out a thousand times "I must not do any more box kicks". Apart from gifting the ball to the opposition a charged down kick led to the Blues try on half time
Stu Wilsons Gloves
Guest
Well done the Reds, great game of rugby that one.
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
The Reds were wonderful and Cooper was sublime. Go the Reds and GO THE WALLABIES
p.Tah
Guest
When he is on song with the boot his right arm is much higher in the superman pose. During this game it was quite low when he took his stance meaning his body wasn't upright enough during the kick through. He'll fix that when he goes to the tapes.
GrecoRoman
Guest
Cooper's kicking at goal was very disconcerting. He needs to find his radar before next week.
GrecoRoman
Guest
Ah - is that what they were chanting? Now it makes sense!
p.Tah
Guest
Fantastic Reds well done. Well done Blues as well. I was on the edge of my seat until the 78 minute mark waiting for Ranger to put on 2 tries in 2 minutes. What a week in QLD. Reds semi final... SOO... reds final...
Capital
Guest
Great effort by the Reds. Defensively, closed down the Blues attack. In attack - unpredictable and inspirational - great effort Cooper, Genia, Davies and Ioane. Good luck next week Reds
RuckinGoodStats
Roar Rookie
Missed tackles for the Reds will be of concern heading into the final. The Reds missed 35 tackles or on average 1 in every 4 attempts. The Blues missed 21 tackles also 1 in every 4 attempts. The Reds turned little possession into opportunities into points. The Reds had 35% possession in the 1st half and 40% for the entire game. In the 2nd half the Reds spent 29% in the Blues 22. The Blues spent 9% of the 2nd half inside the Red 22. 21 penalties in the game. The Reds conceded 11, but 9 of these were in the 2nd half.
Joseph
Guest
I'm blind and loving it!!!! Where are all the Reds supporters!!! Were in the final, I've booked my airline tickets, I'm off to Brisbane!!!! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Brett McKay
Expert
Outstanding Reds, just outstanding...
Kento
Guest
Nice call EP; well done.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
FUUUUULLLLL TIME! REDS 30, BLUES 13. WOW. That is a club reaching the peak after spending so long wandering in the wilderness.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
78min There was a lot of changing of directions there. Way too much to list. Each side had a chance at throwing it wide and breaking the line but couldn't get it done. REDS 30, BLUES 13.
Joseph
Guest
WE ARE RED, WE ARE RED!!!!!!! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
76min Everyone has come off for the Reds now. Emptied the bench and the starters are now in preparation for the first final the Reds have played in for a generation!
Elisha Pearce
Expert
Thanks for that. Great crowd!
Elisha Pearce
Expert
74min The Reds get the turn over after tha scrum! They have it near the Blues line immediately! This is their chance to end the game. Cooper hits a drop goal to extend their lead. Cooper can indeed do everything besides place kick. REDS 30, BLUES 13.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
73min Knock on over the line. Advantage was over and the Blues aren't wiped out completely. REDS 27, BLUES 13.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
The Reds have gotten right in to the Blues end there. It kinda snuck up on us. It was almost tempered, steady build up by the Reds there. Amazing. SCHATZ IS OVER! Tmo is having a look.... wait up. Maybe he dropped it.