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'The brawls, the big hits': Reds channeling Origin in lead-up to Crusaders clash
By AAP
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.
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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.
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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.”
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