Reds need a win to sustain top position in the competition – Rugby news
Huge effort is required from every member of current super rugby champions’ in order to win the game against the Reds. Keeping aside Reds record against the Bulls, Reds top form will take on the battling Bulls is enough for the attraction of the crowd.
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has kept the pressure on his team irrespective of their biggest win of the season during the last week. McKenzie was quick to ask tough questions from his players soon after they delivered Stormers their first defeat of the season.
Bulls are coming from the last weekend’s defeat by the hands of Crusaders. While defeat was never out of question, the key surprise that has eventually turned up into Shock for Bulls was the fact that they were not able to score during the match.
Such defeats are hard to take out of the players mind and really affect the tempo of the team in the season. In addition to this, Bulls will be taking on the Reds at Suncorp and out of the seven encounters between two, Bulls were able to win a single game
here so far. Their overall record against the Reds is not that impressive too. Both teams have played with each other 13 times out of which Reds have won eight. Six of these eight wins came at Suncorp.
Bulls too have record in their favor as they delivered the super rugby competition’s heaviest margin defeat to the Reds in 2007. Reds lost the game with final scorecard reading 3 – 92 at Loftus Versfeld in 2007, a game in which Bulls scored massive 13 tries.
Reds have won the last three encounter held between both sides at Brisbane, with wins coming in 2006, 2008 and 2010. Last year Reds defeated Bulls 19 – 12 as Reds ensured a tough day at work for Bulls Forward. Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has made changes to
the side, which took field against the Crusaders. Scrum half Fourie du Preez is not playing making way for Gerhard van den Heever to start the game as Winger. Francois Hougaard has been moved from Winger to Scrum half position. Stephan Dippenaar has replaced
Centre Jaco Pretorius.
Bulls will be without the services of Flip van der Merwe and Jaco Pretorius as they have not recovered from their respective injuries. Other changes include the return of Du Preez and Akona Ndungane at the bench.
Reds will enter the match in high confidence definitely at high intensity, as they will be looking for their first ever sixth consecutive win in the season. Players will deliver their best to achieve a fest they have not been able to achieve over the years.
Reds will start with the match with Saia Faingaa at Hook. He is coming in place of James Hanson who will be available on the bench. Return of the Ben Lucas (recovered from groin strain) and Greg Holmes at bench has further strengthened the side.
Ewen McKenzie has requested for the Reds supporters to come in number at Suncorp for the Saturday’s encounter to energize the Reds.
He said, “Nothing fires the boys up more than the support we get in Brisbane so I'm calling on all Reds fans to get to the game and be part of what will hopefully be a historic night for the Reds and Queensland Rugby.”
Reds will start the match as favourite and are expecting to win the game with a margin of 10 points. Win would ensure Reds place at the top of Super XV combined table.
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