Reds coach Ewen McKenzie wants Queensland to strike a blow for the much-maligned Australian conference by upsetting the vengeance-seeking Crusaders in Sunday’s Super Rugby grand final rematch.
Australia is facing the highly likely prospect of suppling just one side to the six-team play-offs as the Brumbies are the only franchise in touch with the New Zealand and South African pace-setters.
Most pundits have written off local teams as legitimate title contenders with a lack of playing depth across the country, as well as the Wallabies’ extra long 2011 campaign, identified as reasons for disappointing results.
But McKenzie said the Reds – sitting third in the national conference, six points behind the Brumbies (31) and 14 behind the Chiefs (39) – would relish the chance to change opinions in Christchurch.
“As much as the Australian conference is being criticised by people around the place, it would be nice for us, from an Australian conference point of view, to make a dent in the Kiwi teams’ aspirations and also promote (Australian) fortunes,” he told AAP.
“The (23-11 victory over the Blues) in Eden Park was important and, if we could jag a win in Christchurch and then take on the Chiefs, we can make a big indent on the competition.
“People have consigned us to history already so we’re looking forward to having a say about that.”
McKenzie felt Queensland “turned the corner” following last Friday’s drought-breaking win at Eden Park but he knows Sunday’s clash with the resurgent Crusaders, third in the Kiwi conference on 33 points, is a major litmus test.
“It makes this game very important,” he said. “A win here for either side makes a difference, and we’ve got the Chiefs the week after.
“The good thing for us is we’ve got a good record against both these teams.”
Queensland have won their past three fixtures against the Crusaders, including an 18-13 triumph in last year’s decider, plus two trials, but all were in Queensland.
Crusaders prop Ben Franks has spoken about the grief of being on the receiving end of the Suncorp Stadium faithful following the 2011 final defeat, and being stirred up to exact revenge.
It’s a feeling McKenzie knows well after watching the Crusaders celebrate three finals wins over sides he’s been associated with in 2000, 2005 and 2008.
“I’ve done that three times against them so I don’t feel any sympathy,” he said. “We’ve had a good rivalry and it should be an exciting game.”
McKenzie will name his team on Thursday morning with Wallabies hooker Saia Faingaa set to return from an ankle injury on the bench, while his twin Anthony might be promoted to start in the centres opposite the red-hot Robbie Fruean.
“We haven’t got all our players back yet but you can certainly feel the mood lifting in the group,” he said. “We’ve bottomed out and we’re coming back up again – that’s what it feels like.”
BROOKE48
Guest
rhino,i agree seems to have gone backwards since kicking coach fowler departed.
bill
Guest
Any idea about if/when Peter Hynes might be back? I didn't realise Tap's collarbone meant gone for the season. A real shame.
stillmatic1
Guest
im picking the saders in this one, but the reds are starting to put the pieces back together and with that menace faingaa knocking blocks over out wide with that excellent tackling technique of his, i dont think the saders will do it by much. i hope i am wrong however and the reds get crunched, but some teams just seem to have the wood over others. if freun/SBW got looked after quite easily last year against the reds, then freun by himself should be a piece of cake for faingaa!! saders by 19+, but really by 5!!
Shungmao
Guest
This is the game the reds needed Tapaui on the park, a mid field combo with fainga would have challenged the saders width, unfortunately Harris neither has the line speed to close Carters space or the agility if Carter gets going. I can see lots of channel work around 10 & 12 involving dagg coming our way. Beau not being in is a big loss, he not only aggressive but straightens up the forwards attack stopping the reds backs having to creep across the park. I thought Ioane was great last week, people talk about the Nonu tackles, but what people don't talk about or understand is the work he does off the ball, his constant movement and hovering in attack put defenders in 2 minds and creates opportunities for others. Willie G needs to ensure he doesn't overplay his hand but should look for opportunities to snipe blind or near the line. Go the reds in my heart but my head says it could be a long day.....
Harry
Guest
Most of them are back now out of whose expected back - only one missing is Quade, who of course hurt his knee playing touch footy with mates a few weeks back. Gone for the season - Taps, Lance, Sam Lane. Missing just this week - Ben Daley, Beau. ALl in all, not too bad.
Geoff Brisbane now California
Guest
Never write off the Saders because they will realise their game v Tahs was pretty average from their standards and yet they still win and that is what sets champion teams a part from others.Even when they under perform they still have that uncanny ability to get across theline. Reds may start out hard and fast but will eventually fall by the way. Nonu showed how to curtail Ioanes influence by putting him on his backside so I reckon Fruen and Carter will control and open up the mid field for Dagg etc to carve up. Earlier roarer stated the ref could be the difference, I reckon that has been everyones excuse across the board, which by the way does need to be looked at.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Does anyone know when any of the injured Reds players are expected to return?
Geoff Brisbane now California
Guest
Not their fault at this stupid and almost league like set up. NRL setup has it you only play some teams twice.
Geoff Brisbane now California
Guest
And so are the other 5 teams if they were in that Conference Justin
Wal the Hooker
Guest
I was at the game on Sunday Tahs v Saders and thought the Saders were pedestrian all round. Agree with Sam I think the Chiefs and Brumbies are chiming much better. The Canes and Highlanders have shown some really fantastic back play. On Sunday I actually said to my partner I reckon on the form the Saders were playing the Chiefs would beat them. I just didn't see that intensity they normally have for the full 80, yet I'm seeing this in the Chiefs this year. They're hungry and unlike years past seem to be doing everything right as a team. Carter looks like he's still injured and not confident, but you can never write them off I guess!
Justin
Guest
That sounds a pretty fair summation Sam. Ive seen bits of all of those teams. The Chiefs I would rely on more than the others, the Canes can strike from anywhere and the Highlanders play up tempo. Havent seen much of the Saders but Sunday didnt impress me much. Reality was just woeful defence from Carter let Fruen have a party. In AUS its the Brumbies and daylight. Larkham has his signature all over this Brumbies team and Lilo has been outstanding with straight running, taking the ball on the tackle line and brilliant passing both long and in contact.
Sam Taulelei
Roar Guru
Justin Individually the Crusaders backs compete well against the Brumbies and Chiefs in terms of strikepower however as a unit I rate them both above the Crusaders. I thought the Saders backs looked quite pedestrian against the Tahs and it was only Fruean's power running and the odd incursion from Dagg that really threatened but there was a lack of rhythm and precision which is surprising at the halfway stage of the season. Look at how the Highlanders came back against the Cheetahs in that last 30 minutes with the way they ran the ball and the Saders have never looked that good all season. In terms of the NZ conference, I'd rate in order the Hurricanes, Chiefs, Highlanders, Crusaders and Blues in terms of backline attacking prowess.
Justin
Guest
He just looks hesitant right now and laboured. He'll be sharp when it matters - he will need to be for the Saders to win IMO.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Yes, thats true, he's still a bit rusty and his passing game is not what it used to be but I reckon its just a question of time. Its true that his passes dont always find someone but i think one more week at training will make a difference.
Justin
Guest
Pillock how do you rate the Chiefs and Brumbies back lines in comparison to the Saders?
Justin
Guest
Nick Carter is well off his best and looked a shadow of the best 10 I have seen against NSW. He was pretty ordinary actually.
Justin
Guest
Brumbies are on top of their conference ;)
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Yes I agree, Read has probably been the most consistent n8 so far in this comp'. McCaw is probably not at his best yet though so it will be interesting especially if Gill and Higginbotham play like they did v the Blues. But Harris-Faingaa v Carter-Fruean in the midfield is a scary thought! Match is sold out.
Pillock
Roar Rookie
Some quality loose forwards in that lot but for mine Read & McCaw are a class above the others. Hopefully the Reds backrow really step up and will also need the backs to play a lot better, the Crusaders has the best backline in the S15 comp even with Dagg not in his best form. If the Reds go back to their Sth African tour form it will be a cricket score.
Jutsy
Guest
Cant believe link has finally made the changes we've all been suggesting for weeks. And I just saw that foley has dropped mumm for S. timani! I'm pinching myself thinking its a dream lol