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Les Kiss' Reds era ends on Super Rugby downer as Wallabies beckon


BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: Coach Les Kiss of the Reds watches on during the warm up before the round one Super Rugby Pacific match between Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium, on February 24, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
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Australian rugby will turn its attention to taking down Ireland after another Super Rugby Pacific campaign ended prematurely in New Zealand, with incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss unable to lift the hex.

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The record of Australian teams losing in playoffs across the Tasman stretched into a 22nd year, with Queensland joining the Brumbies in making a quarter-final exit on Saturday night.

The Reds were well in their clash against the Chiefs but two second half tries to superstar Damian McKenzie killed off their hopes.

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They failed to take their opportunities, at one stage in the second half unable to pick up any points despite holding the ball for 28 phases.

Kiss, who will play understudy to current Test coach Joe Schmidt for three Tests before taking the reins, said his Queensland side deserved more than they got out of their season.

“Mixed emotions in a lot of ways – I’m bloody proud of the boys in a number of ways,” he said following the loss in Hamilton.

“At halftime, I think we were still confident about what we were doing on the park and we were standing up to the things we said we’d do.

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“I’m gutted for the boys more than anything.”

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It’s the first time in nine years in a full competition that no Australian team has featured in the Super Rugby final four, with the Hurricanes, Chiefs, Crusaders and Blues advancing.

But Kiss didn’t think it represented dire straits for Australian rugby.

“I think you’ve got to just recognise that the Kiwi teams have been in pretty good form most of the year,” he said.

“We’ve certainly been improving week on week and and we went hammer and tong today and just a few moments that they profited on.

“I think the comp’s still in a good place.”

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Missing further finals at least gives the Wallabies extra time to prepare for the first Nations Championship Test against Ireland in Sydney on July 4.

They then play France a week later in Brisbane followed by Italy in Perth to round out the first block of internationals.

The Australian squad is likely to be named next week, with a number of players in good form including Reds flanker Fraser McReight, Test captain Harry Wilson and scrumhalf Tate McDermott, who has impressed in three games since recovering from hamstring surgery.

McReight, the Queensland captain, paid tribute to Kiss despite the coach being unable to help them lift any silverware in his three years in charge.

“He’s been huge – all the senior players are probably playing the best footy under Les and that’s no coincidence,” the No.7 said.

“He’s someone who cares so much about individuals and about this team … he’s been great for us and personally great for me and my leadership development and my playing development.

“I know there’s a lot of other boys who can attest to that.”

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1 Comment
u
unknown 1 hr ago

Not a great year for Australian provinces . The Reds a little improved , Tahs slowly improving , Brumbies in patches , Force improving and consistent .

The coaches : McKellar very steady and a builder . Larkham is out of ideas , Cron the best and Les Kiss a pass .

Players :McReight is in a class of his own well backed up by Tizzano . Loto and Williams are in good form . The front rower are competitive .Scott-Young is the best 8 . Valentini is burnt out . Cale has hit the wall .

Jake Gordon is still our best half . McDermott tries hard . At 10 we have Donaldson who is good everywhere except defense , Edmed who is solid and Carter Gordon who is handy in all areas . None are test class .

The centres are fine . Ikatua , Flook , Suaalii and now Daugunu who is a revaluation . Good on him .

Wingers gallore ! Pietsch , Daugunu , Potter , Anderson . At fullback Tom Wright is rusty , Campbell Can’t tackle . The lad from NSW will get better . Kurtley Beale is the best . Creighton the best utility player along with Beale .

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