The Reds may be down and out, but the Highlanders know any team in such a position can be dangerous, and playing in Brisbane is no easy task. Join The Roar for live score updates from 7:30pm AEST.
The Reds have had a mean case of the blues in the last couple of weeks.
They were infamously thrased by the Crusaders and followed that up with a below-average effort against the Rebels.
Matters did not improve following the Rebels match, with skipper James Horwill given a fine and told to apologise following his criticism of match officials.
Despite all those dramas, the Reds will have the motivation of the game being halfback Will Genia’s 100th cap for Queensland. Here’s what Genia had to say about his impending 100th appearance:
“I just love Queensland and everything about the Reds. I love the state and the people. I also love my teammates. We’ve gone through a long journey together and have had a pretty special journey so far, so this achievement means the world to me.”
The Highlanders will definitely want to spoil Genia’s party, as they are still very much in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs.
A win before the extended break for the international rounds will see them in good stead for a place in the finals.
The Reds are going to be keen to make amends for their inept recent performances and they might just have enough to get them over the line but the Highlanders have greater firepower and can easily dismantle an already under-strength team.
Join The Roar for live score updates from 7:30pm AEST.
Tip – Highlanders.
Don’t forget to join in the banter in the comments below as we follow all the action live.
30mm tags
Guest
Albert Annae is magnificent. His determination, power and go forward were on full display to ensure that try was achieved in the last 2mins 45.
30mm tags
Guest
Did you have a bus to catch?
30mm tags
Guest
Now why would you do that?
30mm tags
Guest
90% of rugby followers would agree with you. 10 % of a Rugby followers comment on this page and of that 10% , 50% disagree with you. Keep on.
30mm tags
Guest
Accurate response Gasparin. Reds were superb.
Zero Gain
Guest
You haven't been watching for long if you think this is the worst Reds team ever buddy!
WQ
Guest
Well that was a fairly good assessment of what happened!
Hopperdoggy
Guest
Just like after my visit to that curry restaurant in West End!
Hopperdoggy
Guest
Maybe so, but I do kind of agree with him on the scrums. They should bring back the EPLs - short arms all day makes for a more enjoyable game to watch & play.
Dale
Guest
Gutsy win that will give QLD'ers some joy. Topped off by the Waratahs getting knocked off first semi and Brumbies losing final :)
RobC
Roar Guru
Anto, I think the unresolved issues took a couple of years or so to get to this point. Reds will take a couple of years to climb back
Kane
Guest
Chiefs, Saders, and Canes are the only hope for NZ winning super rugby. Highlanders and Blues can just start looking towards next season.
Adsa
Guest
Magir sponge is a Tah Tah lover and can't expect the Reds got the choclates in 2011 so he mincer on.
RobC
Roar Guru
trf: yes HL 9 & 10 had a flat game. Though Sopoaga's try was v good
I looked at two things. Their home record which is one of the best. They had to step up at some point. After the tantrum by their captain I just thought they will be up for it. As far as the Higlanders are concerned, their defense I thought would be slipping. Unfortunstely I did not see the match as I was busy today, but will watch a delayed broadcast.
Gasparin
Guest
Fairly significant difference with the TMO, Tristen - one involved the man upstairs adjudicating on a try being scored or not, immediately after the fact. The other involved a TMO forcing his incorrect ruling onto a reluctant ref after play had continued, and no try was in dispute. If you can't see the difference there, then how can you be sure you weren't watching the Broncos playing?
Gasparin
Guest
How exactly are they lucky to get away with a win when they lead 21-0 at halftime, and courageously keep ball in hand after the bell when they could have easily folded for the draw?They stuck with it and trudged 55 metres up field to score a wonderful victory over a team 11 slots better on the table. Four years ago the rugby public was singing this team's praises, now they can't wait to jam them when they're down. I don't get it.
Gasparin
Guest
What planet are you on Magic Sponge? Clearly a Reds hater, for God knows why. A magnificent win by a team with their backs against the wall, over a team in fourth place on the ladder. Your cynicism knows no bounds.
sam
Guest
Not really. Highlanders pick up 2 points compared to Landers 0. It just means either the Force, Brumbies or Landers can still make it plus. The highlanders have a game on hand
Chan Wee
Guest
he tipped the ref : - ref bias ;) :P :D