The Queensland Reds have turned to rugby league’s State of Origin for some Maroon inspiration as they plot a monumental Super Rugby Pacific upset in Christchurch.
Coach Brad Thorn boasts genuine insight into the opposition as a former title-winner with the Crusaders.
But captain Tate McDermott said Thorn had leant on his 14-game Origin career instead ahead of their knockout quarter-final on Friday.
“The brawls, the big hits, the atmosphere around Origin and what it means to be a Queenslander have been the key themes of the week,” McDermott said.
“We won’t see a biff, but you’ll definitely see a bit of niggle; once we say we’re not taking a backward step we’re a far better side.
“So the boys have got licence to really go out there and give it a good rattle.”
The Reds have relished the atmosphere and constant heckling they’ve received in the rugby-mad New Zealand city since losing to the Crusaders last weekend.
The Crusaders are $1.06 favourites to win an 11th-straight game against Thorn’s side, while the Reds have also lost their last 19 games away from home against New Zealand opposition and not won in Christchurch since 1999.
But they’ve been competitive in their last two trips there, winning the second half of last week’s game and scoring four tries to three in a four-point loss two year ago.
“No-one expects us to win, particularly over here,” McDermott said.
“But not too many teams get two cracks in consecutive weeks.
“We know we’re underdogs and were loving that title … no-one expects us to do anything.
“Everywhere you go there’s someone throwing chat or wanting a photo with some of the bigger names.
“Over here (compared to Brisbane) it’s another level of people who know about rugby and that it’s Crusaders v Reds on Friday.”
Morsie
Roar Rookie
If you need to dig into SOO games for inspiration you're in trouble long before the whistle. I think Thorn has been exposed as a one trick pony. Can't imagine him as a Wallabies coach with his seemingly unforgiving attitude.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Nico Ill let you research which teams have never won the wooden spoon. Let me know what you come up with....
Jacko
Roar Rookie
My NZ Warriors? Oh dear me, silly comment. I dont have an NZ Warriors. Ive heard a guy called Mark Robinson owns the warriors and they do not represent NZ in any way. Or do the Tigers represent Australia? Or the Bulldogs? LOL.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Glad we had that chat. I’m off to gestate my fetus in a box.
Nico
Guest
Oh dear me , silly comment, are your NZ Warriors the best in the NRL ? LOL. 28 years and the trophy cabinet is still bare.
Beefa
Guest
Is that all you got. Name calling ? Prety juvenile but i dont know how old you are. Anyway does the fact hurt you he wasn`t good enough to be an auto-pick in the Qld and Aussie league teams ?
Joey Johns
Guest
Thorn was an average representative league player. Good clubman for the Broncos, but not good enough to be regularly picked for higher honours.
piru
Roar Rookie
What? I don't know that!
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
African or European?
piru
Roar Rookie
How about we discuss the average wing speed of a migrating swallow? laden or unladen?
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Bell and the Tahs do too eh! Enjoy the drink on me..... So Tahs to niggle Chiefs I gather???
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Bell..... Enjoy
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Its inly Origin anyway. Its not like its top of the pile or anything. Its not even the best of the NRL anymore. Thorn won a World cup with the ABs. That trumps Origin by 10 fold. Ask the world.....
scrum
Roar Rookie
Be interesting
Double Agent
Guest
I can't wait to see the ref's hand signal for a 'macho' penalty!! :laughing:
Double Agent
Guest
How many origin games have you played JP?
Double Agent
Guest
Who did you play for Beefy??!! :laughing:
mused6
Roar Rookie
Might be worth hitting up Jim Tucker if he posts an article this week.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
A 50/25 cap Red/Wallaby who brings added strength to one of the biggest problem areas in the Reds game isn’t even high enough up the list of options to be carrying the tackle bag in case Connor Vest rolls an ankle? Sometimes a coach/player falling out is the the only logical explanation.
zubrick
Roar Rookie
6% TAX FREE QLD TO BE ANY HOPE MUST NOT GET INVOLVED IN A KICKING DUEL MCDERMOTT MUST FORGET ABOUT HIS STUPID BOX KICKING feeding the crusaders back three and mounga easy ball will prove disastrous the reds will without doubt will not take this advice i'll take the $1.06 on offer ie qld to play dumb rugby once again against one of the better counter attacking teams in the competition