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Plenty of heart in age-old contest as Reds look to avenge lengthy losing streak

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

A hungry Queensland is ready to turn the tables and break their Super Rugby drought against bitter rivals NSW, with both sides throwing verbal barbs before Saturday’s clash in Brisbane.

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The inaugural Super Rugby AU competition will start with the code’s oldest domestic rivalry.

Yet one thing that won’t be dated is the two teams, with many of the most talented young players in the country set to showcase their skills at Suncorp Stadium.

NSW have dominated Super Rugby combat between the teams, winning the last 11 contests with Queensland last tasting victory in 2013.

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Join hosts Drew Mitchell, Steve Hoiles, Lou Ransome and special guest Sean Maloney as they chat all-things Australian Rugby.

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Join hosts Drew Mitchell, Steve Hoiles, Lou Ransome and special guest Sean Maloney as they chat all-things Australian Rugby.

Encouragingly for the Reds they did win a pre-season trial against the Waratahs in January and were placed above them when the full Super Rugby competition was suspended in March due to COVID-19.

They start favourites against NSW, who are fielding a squad where almost half the players are in their first season of senior rugby.

The Waratahs called in former NSW State of Origin League captain Paul Gallen for a pep talk while Reds’ five-eighth James O’Connor said his side didn’t need pumping up, or a reminder about their recent record against the traditional foe.

“There’s a lot of history, we know what’s gone on and I’ve been involved in some of those big losses and it does hurt,” O’Connor said.

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“But I feel the tables have turned, we’ve got a great squad and we’ve put the work in.”

Queensland captain Liam Wright said his side were looking forward to “smashing” the New South Welshmen, though Waratahs vice-captain Alex Newsome disregarded the rhetoric from across the border.

“I reckon it’s a bit rich from a mob that drink mid-strength beer mate,” Newsome quipped.

The midfield back was also upbeat despite the Waratahs winning just one of six games in the original Super Rugby season under new coach Rob Penney.

“It’s probably the best preparation we’ve had for a game in recent memory, because we’ve been able to review the start of the year and make changes,” Newsome said.

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The tournament opener features many individual match-ups including Wallabies’ utility back O’Connor and highly-rated Waratahs talent Will Harrison at five-eighth.

O’Connor insisted he felt more comfortable at five-eighth than he did when shifted there earlier in the season proper.

“There’s still lots of elements that I’m not world class at yet, but there are elements that I do make my own and I feel like I am helping unlock this team’s ability,” he said.

Meanwhile, numerous law modifications relating to kicking, scrums and the breakdown will be introduced in the tournament.

“The first game is going to set a benchmark and hopefully it will be a good spectacle for the fans,” Newsome said.

– Adrian Warren

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R
RedWarrior 50 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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