LISTEN: 'Bang, Bang Queensland' - Reds forward hoping new slogan catches on across the state
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen is trying to promote rugby in Queensland and bring crowds back to Reds games.
The Western Force have vowed to make things personal against the Queensland Reds as both teams attempt to avoid the Super Rugby wooden spoon.
The last-placed Force (15 points) have just three games remaining to climb off the foot of the table, while the Reds (17) are also in danger of finishing last.
The two strugglers meet in Perth on Saturday night, with the Force in no mood for any niceties.
The Perth-based franchise were beaten 18-6 by the Reds earlier this season, and prop Pek Cowan says the team are eager to turn the tables on Saturday night.
“You don’t normally like to lose a derby game, so for us there’s definitely a bit of revenge,” Cowan said.
“We’re making it very personal. We’re going to make sure we do the job.
“We’re playing to win.
“We’re playing all Australian teams (in the last three rounds), and there’s no better way to take out a bit of frustrating than to play against guys that you know quite well.”
The Force were left to rue a series of early missed opportunities in last week’s 23-3 loss to the Highlanders.
Queensland are also aiming to bounce back after losing 21-14 to the Sharks in Brisbane.
Cowan said he’s expecting a bruising encounter against the Reds.
“It’s going to be a physical battle, and one we have to make sure we’re up for,” Cowan said.
They back their pack. They play to their strengths. Their team is making really good gains off the forward pack.
“Their scrum’s good, their mauling is great, and they like to play a tight game. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
The Force take on the Brumbies (home) and Rebels (Melbourne) in the last two rounds, while the Reds finish off their season against the Chiefs (home) and Waratahs (Sydney).
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Jeffery Toomaga-Allen is trying to promote rugby in Queensland and bring crowds back to Reds games.
Queensland have pushed the Hurricanes and the Blues giving the Reds coach confidence they can match it with the top teams.
Queensland led by seven late in the game, but conceded two late tries to the Kiwi side who claimed a late victory.
The Queensland winger was making his starting debut and he made his tries look like he was a veteran in that position.
Queensland led by seven points with six minutes remaining but the Kiwi side scored two tries - one after the 80 minutes to snatch…
But the winger's three tries weren't enough as the Blues stole a late win 41-37.