Reds Gear Up for Daunting Quarter-Final Clash with Chiefs
Brisbane, Australia – April 19, 2024
The Queensland Reds are preparing to face a tough challenge as they take on the Chiefs in a quarter-final matchup in Hamilton. Buoyed by their recent notable victories, the Reds are confident in their ability to compete against the formidable New Zealand side.
Head coach Les Kiss has assembled a well-balanced team, with a powerful pack to match the Chiefs’ physicality and dynamic playmakers in the backline. While the Reds acknowledge the difficulty of the task at hand, they are embracing the excitement of the playoffs.
“Finals footy…it’s exciting and a different beast. You’ve got to love it,” Kiss remarked. “Winning in Hamilton will be a difficult task, but if we commit to playing our style, we’ve got a chance against a good Chiefs side.”
The Reds have found success against New Zealand teams this season, including a crucial victory in Christchurch. This experience, coupled with their learnings from close matches, will be crucial as they look to overcome the Chiefs’ purple patches.
“We’ve got to be able to handle the purple patch they’ll have in the game, and that’s going to take a massive collective effort,” Kiss said. “I’m more than comfortable we have the players to turn up for those special moments that come in games like this.”
Young playmakers Tom Lynagh and Lawson Creighton have been named in the matchday 23, with Kiss expecting their impact to be pivotal. Veteran lock Seru Uru will make his 50th appearance in Reds colors, partnering Ryan Smith in the second row.
The Reds’ loose forward trio of Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, and John Bryant will be crucial in maintaining their dominant form, while the backline trio of Mac Grealy, Tim Ryan, and Jock Campbell will be tasked with diffusing the Chiefs’ threats.
As the bbc rugby union teams gear up for the quarter-final clash, the Reds are confident in their ability to navigate the “different beast” of playoff rugby union gameplay and secure a memorable victory in Hamilton.
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