Tag: Super Rugby

Reds vs Rebels: Queensland Aim to Continue Winning Ways Against Melbourne

Fifth-placed Queensland Reds will be looking to maintain their winning ways when they host the sixth-placed Melbourne Rebels on Friday, May 10. Reds vs Rebels kickoff 7:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Game Day Just Got Tastier: The Muster Grill Debuts at Suncorp Stadium

Round 11 Reds

The Queensland Reds (5-5) are riding high after an impressive 33-28 away victory over the Crusaders last week. That famous win in Christchurch was their first since 1999 and a major confidence booster as they push for a finals spot.

Les Kiss’ side have been propelled by the stellar form of flanker Fraser McReight, who tops the turnovers chart despite a two-game suspension earlier in the season. The returning McReight was instrumental against the Crusaders with a tireless breakdown performance.

Reds vs Rebels

The Rebels (5-5), meanwhile, were beaten 53-26 at home by these same Reds back in March. They showed fight with a second-half comeback but were ultimately undone by their poor start.

Much could depend on the Reds ability to replicate their fast starts. Against their last outing against the Rebels, their forward pack laid the platform with a dominant first-half display, offloading frequently to create repeated chances.

Locks Seru Uru and Peni Ravai were destructive carriers that night. If they can provide front-foot ball again, the Reds’ backline of Lawson Creighton, Jock Campbell and the in-form Tim Ryan have the talent to capitalise.

Read: Reunion at Suncorp Stadium: Footy Fan Meets Staff Who Saved His Life

The Reds face their next crucial test in the 5th vs 6th showdown, taking on a desperate Rebels team in a fight for finals survival. Expect fireworks at Suncorp in this high-stakes clash.

Published 07-May-2024

Reds vs Blues: Queensland Ring in Changes for Anzac Clash

The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for the Anzac Weekend Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Blues on Saturday, April 26. Josh Flook’s timely return at outside centre is the headliner, with the experienced campaigner replacing the injured Jordan Petaia. Reds vs Blues kickoff 5:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Goodwill Projects Sweeps Event Management Category at Business Awards

Personnel shuffle 

In addition to Flook’s inclusion, Angus Blyth comes into the second row for Cormac Daly. Daly is sidelined with minor soreness following the 31-0 win over the Highlanders.

Head coach Les Kiss has also handed 20-year-old speedster Tim Ryan his first run-on opportunity on the wing, with Mac Grealy making way.

Connor Vest and Floyd Aubrey are set for potential debuts, providing cover in the forwards and backs.

Anzac Weekend commemorations

The team will don their special khaki Anzac jerseys for the occasion, paying tribute to the 60 Queensland Reds who served in five wars, with 11 making the ultimate sacrifice.

An Anzac service featuring military personnel will be held pre-match, with the Ode read by Wallaroos prop Bree-Anna Browne.

“The boys love the jersey…there is depth of understanding of something bigger than the game,” Kiss said.

Reds vs Blues battle for momentum

Kiss knows his side faces a formidable challenge against the in-form Blues, who thumped the Brumbies last round. “We know the task ahead of us on Saturday,” he said.

While satisfied with recent efforts against Kiwi opposition, Kiss wants an 80-minute display at Suncorp Stadium, where “the boys love it.”

Read: Reunion at Suncorp Stadium in Milton: Footy Fan Meets Staff Who Saved His Life

How the Reds will fare against the high-flying Blues remains to be seen, but the substitutions have injected freshness into the starting side for a pivotal Anzac encounter.

Published 26-April-2024

Reds vs Highlanders: Queensland Forced to Reshuffle Lineup Ahead of Clash

The Queensland Reds are dealing with a rash of injuries and suspensions as they prepare to host the Highlanders this Friday, April 19. After a narrow 17-14 loss to Moana Pasifika last weekend, the Reds have lost several key players, putting their depth to the test. Reds vs Highlanders kickoff 5:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Brewing Maestro: Ken Wolf Marks Over 40 Years at XXXX Brewery in Milton

Injuries and suspensions plague the Reds

Co-captain Tate McDermott and flanker Fraser McReight both received red cards in the match against Moana Pasifika, ruling them out for the upcoming game. Adding to the Reds’ woes, promising forward Seru Uru will be sidelined for up to six weeks after undergoing thumb surgery. Outside Josh Flook (shoulder) will also miss the match.

Head coach Les Kiss acknowledged the challenges his team is facing, calling the situation “not ideal.” However, he remains optimistic about the opportunity to test the depth of the Reds’ roster.

Reds vs Highlanders lineup changes

With the absences, Kiss is likely to shuffle his lineup for the crucial clash against the Highlanders. Jordan Petaia could move to outside centre to cover for Flook’s injury, while Mac Grealy is expected to return to the wing.

In the forward pack, Angus Blyth could start in place of the injured Uru, while Cormac Daly is another option to bolster the squad. Kiss may also promote Junior Wallabies back-rower John Bryant to replace the suspended McReight, or shift co-captain Liam Wright to his preferred position at openside flanker.

Reds look to bounce back against New Zealand opposition

The Reds will be eager to bounce back from their surprise defeat against Moana Pasifika, where Queensland lost the lead with less than two minutes to go.

“Fans have come out to support us really well at Suncorp Stadium and we’ll want to atone for sure,” Kiss declared after the loss.

The team will now face a tough stretch of matches against New Zealand opposition, starting with the Highlanders this Friday.

Read: From Classroom to Cafeteria: Milton Kids Reinvent Snack Time

Despite the challenges, Kiss remains confident in his team’s ability to respond and regain their early-season form.

“The opportunity in this now is to give a little bit more exposure to players who were playing off the bench and other players in the program to step up too,” he said.

Published 17-April-2024

Reds vs Brumbies: A Blockbuster Backrow Battle Awaits

A blockbuster backrow battle awaits as the Queensland Reds prepare to host the ACT Brumbies this Saturday, March 30. The Reds vs Brumbies Super Rugby double-header kickoff 4:05 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Olympic Plans Reimagined: Brisbane Arena Plans Overhauled After Review

McReight focused on improvement after Reds’ collapse

Reds vs Force 2024
Photo Credit: Facebook/Queensland Reds

Reds flanker Fraser McReight is determined to put last week’s error-riddled 40-31 upset loss to the Western Force behind him as the Reds aim to rebound from disappointing defeats for both their men’s and women’s teams.

McReight acknowledged that Queensland were far from their best in Perth. He identified their set-piece play and preparation for away games as key areas for improvement.

“It’s on the road where it’s going to be very challenging,” he says.

“We’ve got some tough opponents coming up on the road, going to NZ, going to Fiji. It’s a great test, and we’ve just got to learn how the group goes together on away trips, how we can better prepare ourselves.”

He is also eagerly anticipating the matchup against the Brumbies’ in-form loose forward unit.

“They’re very athletic, aren’t they? Brumbies have a great backrow, they always have. I think it’s going to be a great match-up on the weekend,” McReight says.

Reds vs Brumbies : Queensland seek redemption after previous blowout defeat

Reds vs Brumbies 2023
Photo Credit: QLD Reds Rugby

With the memory of last year’s 24-52 home loss to the Brumbies still fresh, the Reds are determined to exact revenge.

“It’s always been such a close game, fortunately for them they were able to knock us over last year at Suncorp which is probably still hurting a few of us, so really really looking forward to this weekend.”

Read: Broncos vs Cowboys: Brisbane Look to Spoil Undefeated Queensland Rivals

The double-header kicks off with the Super Rugby Women’s clash at 4:05 pm, followed by the Super Rugby Pacific match at 6:35 pm.

Published 23-March-2024