Kiss not singing the Blues in wait for Wallabies call

Les Kiss doesn’t mind waiting, the Queensland Reds coach insistent that any distractions from the drawn-out search for the next Wallabies coach haven’t seeped through the Ballymore walls.

The Reds coach is in the box seat to replace the departing Joe Schmidt at Test level, starting in October.

The Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia are hashing out the finer points, with Kiss contracted at the Reds until next year.

While QRU executives may be busy upstairs, Kiss is adamant that on the ground floor, it’s a non-issue.

“The boys don’t talk about it, the staff don’t, and if there’s anything major, I’ll keep them updated,” Kiss said on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s clash with the Blues.

“I’m sleeping well; it’ll take its course. Those timelines aren’t mine, it’ll happen when it happens.

“I’m absolutely happy with how it’s going, and I do know one thing: my full commitment is in this building behind me and the 80 minutes in the rectangle on the weekend.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

29

38

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

40%

Kiss, in his second year at the Reds after two decades of European coaching gigs, marched the side to top spot for the first time in 13 years earlier this month.

But back-to-back losses, followed by a bye, have shunted them precariously to fourth with six games to play before finals.

A top-four spot would ensure a home quarter-final, while a top-two finish would mean a passage to the decider without leaving Suncorp Stadium.

“The weekend off was welcomed by everyone,” Kiss said.

“We’re fourth, we’ve travelled well and just need to make sure we stay right in the face of that competition.

“Make sure we don’t step back from what we’re trying to achieve.

“Six games, got to make sure we’re in good health and I know this game is very important.”

The Auckland-based Blues overcame a late, nine-point deficit to beat the Reds 41-34 in one of the games of the season in this fixture last year.

They then cantered to a fourth Super Rugby title but battled to begin this season and are currently eighth with a 3-6 record.

Their duel has been moved from Saturday to Friday this year, marking the first time since 1998 the Reds have played on Anzac Day.

It is significant for the club, which had 60 players serve in wartime and 11 who didn’t return.

Those men and women have been honoured this year with a plaque that will form the centrepiece of an Anzac memorial to be used for public gatherings starting next year.

Kiss wants the fixture to become a staple on the calendar.

“We’ve got the champions again on Anzac Day and the spirit of the Anzacs is something we should make sure we continue to honour,” he said.

“Those types of occasions become special, and it deepens the meaning… they become the big games.”