Momentum is on the Queensland Reds’ side as they face the tough task of extending their winning streak to five games by beating the top-of-the-table Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.
Confidence is high in Queensland’s camp after winning in Fiji for the first time since the inception of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
However, while delighted with their 21-6 weekend win over the Drua in Lautoka, the Reds aren’t getting carried ahead of their trip to New Zealand.
“They (the Hurricanes) are the best team in the comp for a reason and we know that,” Queensland flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips said on Tuesday.
“Trying to impose our game on them and trying to shut down their game is a really exciting challenge and something we’re looking forward to as a team.
“We’re just trying to build on the momentum of the last four weeks … (but) momentum is a funny thing. You can easily lose it, and it’s hard to gain.”
Starting in the Reds No.10 jersey for the second time this season, McLaughlin-Phillips produced arguably his finest Queensland performance – which included a try – in his team’s 15-point victory last Saturday.
“One thing that (Reds coach Les Kiss) said is just about owning your readiness, so whenever I get the chance or get called upon, I have to be able to deliver,” he said.
“That’s been my focus for this year and being all over my detail and worrying about what I can control.”
With Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon set to travel to Wellington after being rested last week, McLaughlin-Phillips faces a tough battle to keep his starting spot.
Apart from Gordon, McLaughlin-Phillips’ rivals for the flyhalf spot are Ben Volavola and Tom Lynagh, who is yet to play this season but is closing in on a return from hamstring and calf issues.
“The biggest thing is just the sharing of knowledge and discussions around things on field,” he said.
“We’re going to have four different viewpoints and opinions on things. It has been really good for my game in being able to see different things that I wouldn’t normally notice myself.”
Apart from the availability of Gordon, the Reds’ bid to beat the Hurricanes for the first time since 2013 will also be boosted by the return of skipper Fraser McReight, who was also rested last week.
