The Reds are out to forget last week’s heavy loss when they host the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:45pm (AEDT).
Having shared the honours in 2017 with a win each, both the Reds and Brumbies would like to gain an advantage in the makeup of the local conference.
The ACT side have been the most consistent of all Australian teams in Super Rugby history and their record against Queensland is astounding, winning almost 75 per cent of their encounters.
The Reds would be hoping for a similar result to their meeting last year, when they won in a one-point thriller.
After a disappointing loss to the Rebels last weekend, the Reds will be without captain Scott Higginbotham and Lukhan Tui due to suspension for dangerous contact. Coach Brad Thorn has put faith in Kane Douglas and rookie Angus Scott-Young to fill the holes.
Thorn was happy with the fight his team showed last week, after going down to 14 men ten minutes into the match.
As for the Brumbies, they have lots to improve on after scraping home against a vastly improved Sunwolves in Round 2. Returning fly-half Christian Lealiifano was at his classy best, controlling the match tempo and setting up tries. Lachlan McCaffrey will slot into lock after 19-year-old Sam Carter injured his knee and will be out for up to 12 weeks.
Coach Dan McKellar will ensure his team does not carry any complacency against a weakened Reds team, after being expected to dominate the Sunwolves and only just getting over the line.
Prediction
The Brumbies have an outstanding record against the Reds and there is no reason that this will change.
Brumbies to win by 12-plus.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:45pm (AEDT).
Baz
Guest
Lealiifano was pretty good I thought. Not back to his best yet but give him time. I thought Godwin has been average in his last two games. The Brumbies have a decent forward pack but are missing a mongrel like Fardy. Even when Pocock returns I am not sure the forwards have what it takes to dominate. Laurie F. needs to get his pack enthused. The backs seem to lack penetration and creativity. Godwin looks like he is running in wet concrete. He is a reasonable back but he will never be a match winner. The Reds are showing some grit and we know who is responsible for that. Overall but, the game was ugly.
Baz
Guest
Agree with you Malo. Not seen anything in the first 2 rounds that would have me believe that we have improved as a result of the scrapping of the Force. The Aussie teams look ill prepared and not in the hunt of beating our Kiwi mates. I thought looking at the Brumbies roster that they would be a force to be reckoned with. But sadly this is not the case. Just dismal.
Fionn
Guest
Thanks, Malo.
Fionn
Guest
You have a beautiful scrum, and if Tupou can continue strumming well he will be an absolute weapon at both SR and (eventually) international level also.
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Ha!
Pinetree
Guest
Jacko - QC is Quade Cooper.
Shakti Gounden
Guest
Thanks Rob!
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks for the blog and sum Shakti. A good read Brums rhythm were disrupted. And set piece was key Reds outperformed / equalled their counterparts except 9 10 15
RobC
Roar Guru
I'm with Dave, reb and ethan. Tan Tup is the man
RobC
Roar Guru
Watched the replay Lance was a bummer. Made an a## of himself
RobC
Roar Guru
All Qlders named Liam are great Rugby players
Jacko
Guest
Who is QC????????????
Jacko
Guest
Certainly not as bad as Jono lance running down the sideline lol.
Lion Brown
Guest
Thought he did his schooling in Brisbane ... if so - can hardly claim him as a SA product if he came up through the grades in Aust rugby
Jacko
Guest
Very true Dwards...In the Blues v Cheifs match some of the cleanouts were brutal and dangerous, then they give a penalty because a tackler touched a player going for the ball 1 tv replay frame before he got the ball....Where is the logic?
Uncle Eric
Guest
I'm afraid I have to concur, poor game, poor skills and not particularly well officiated. Best described as a slug fest of mediocrity. Nothing has changed from 2017 apparently.
Jacko
Guest
Haha spot on....After 1 loss, with a red card and all, they were the worst team in the comp....So based on that they must now be the best team in the comp....They even denighed the Brumbies a losing BP
Harry
Guest
I watched him last year live in a club game and for Queensland Country. Fullfills the primary role of an openside very well - fast to and hard over the ball with a real presence, in attack and defence. Extremely good prospect. Thank you SA.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
I agree Jaydon, SK needs to improve his defence a lot, especially his decision making about when to come out of the line. Hopefully we will see that this season. I also agree that TK is an outstanding player who improves throughout the season, though for the sake of the Brumbies I hope it is sooner rather than later.
Jaydon
Guest
We always love to talk about the attacking capabilities of our 13's. Unfortunately SK cannot defend, especially at international level - we have found this out a few times. Great attacking player yes but Australia has lots of guys who can attack but can't do the other bit as well. I also think TK is one of those players that genuinely improves as the season goes on. He seems to start SR very slowly and finally hit top form for EOYT every season.