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The Queensland Reds have shrugged off their Digby dramas and targeted a new piece of Super Rugby history by beating the Blues on Friday night to complete a Kiwi clean sweep.
No Australian side has beaten all their New Zealand opponents in a single season in the competition’s 17-year history, but the Reds are hungry to be the first when they host the surprise-packet Aucklanders.
Queensland have already racked up narrow wins over the Hurricanes, Highlanders and defending champion Chiefs this season to highlight their skill in trans-Tasman battles.
The only team to have brushed aside all their Kiwi rivals was the Cape Town-based Stormers in 2010 when they went on to make the final.
Even the 2001 and 2004 champion Brumbies outfits fell short, winning four of their then five trans-Tasman games, and Reds coaching boss Ewen McKenzie is keen to capture a “unique achievement”.
“We’re always interested in those little bits of opportunity and making a little bit of history,” McKenzie said. “We had a chat about that the other day and we’ll reinforce that.
“We’re a side that takes pride in ticking off new milestones and breaking hoodoos.”
Under McKenzie, the Reds have a great 14-4 record against Kiwi sides, including a memorable 30-13 semi-final victory over the Blues at Suncorp Stadium in 2011.
The Blues return to Suncorp as the shock leaders of the New Zealand conference thanks to an immediate revival under new coach John Kirwan.
A potent attacking outfit with a dynamic back-row and dangerous outside backs, the refreshed Blues will fancy their chances of coming off their bye to upset a Reds outfit drained by their brutal 19-19 draw with the Brumbies.
Queensland have also had to endure a tumultuous week with Wallabies winger Digby Ioane revealing he would walk out on the club after this season due to a murky contract dispute.
Hooker Saia Faingaa, one of just two front-row alterations to the Reds’ 22, denied the issue had affected the playing group – or Ioane.
While the QRU has maintained a hard line with Ioane’s management and threatened legal action, the door remains open for him to play out the third and final year of his lucrative contract in 2014.
McKenzie said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Ioane still running around in a Reds jersey next year, just as Will Genia did after initially deciding to leave for the Western Force 12 months ago.
“Until there’s pen on paper, it’s never say never for me,” he said.
“He’s loose, free and easy like he always is and he’s in good humour.”
Coincidentally, it was a backs-to-the-wall win over the Blues in Auckland which helped change Genia’s mind last year.
The Blues have stood down three-quarters Francis Saili and George Moala but still have plenty of firepower out wide with Rene Ranger moving into the midfield and Albert Nikoro starting on the wing.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.