Reds coach Les Kiss has resisted any temptation to change Queensland’s starting 15 for Saturday night’s home clash against the ACT Brumbies despite last weekend’s loss to the Blues.
The Reds were beaten 36-33 in a “Super Round” golden-point thriller last Saturday in Christchurch, with Kiss backing the same starters to return Queensland to winning ways at Suncorp Stadium.
“We were gutted to lose in Christchurch,” Kiss admitted.
“We look at the areas we can improve on, but I also look at what we did well. These players don’t give up. They have an appetite to keep playing.
“We know there is more in us and the players work hard and challenge themselves each week to keep our level of play rising as we feel it is.”
The sixth-placed Reds can jump over the Brumbies on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with a win this weekend.
When the teams met in Canberra on March 7, Queensland won 34-31.
“The Brumbies are always tough for us … and we don’t expect anything different on Saturday,” Kiss said.
“They are a tricky opposition. They have a good set piece, they have a good territory game and you have to be very good around the breakdown.
“No doubt they’re going to be favourites. They’re a type of team that just finds a way in the past two or three years.
“I’m really happy with the boys’ preparation this week, but we’re up against a pretty tough opposition.”
The Reds bench will include Wallabies hooker Josh Nasser, who is set to make his 50th appearance for Queensland.
“Josh had some injuries earlier in his career and he seems to be really thriving at the moment … and really making a difference,” Kiss said.
“It’s great to see him back in form. Fifty games, and there is plenty more in front of him.”
Wallabies flyhalves Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh remain sidelined with respective knee and calf injuries.
Reds: Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard.
