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'Now it's our job': Brumbies' big win has Reds aiming up
By AAP
The Queensland Reds are hopeful of securing reinforcements to face the Highlanders and are feeling inspired after the ACT Brumbies’ stampede of the Crusaders set the Super Rugby Pacific tone.
The Reds (0-1), fresh off a second-week bye, host the 1-1 Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
Eleven men occupied their injured list before a first-round loss to the NSW Waratahs, including influential Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson (knee) and flyhalves Tom Lynagh and Carter Gordon (leg).
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Skipper Fraser McReight hinted there could be some relief for the home opener against the Highlanders, who beat the Crusaders in the first round.
“We’ve had two really good sessions, so it just depends on how they pull up, but they’re champing at the bit,” McReight said, adding Wilson in particular was hopeful of a return.
McReight watched on Sunday as the Brumbies ended a 26-year Christchurch drought in an emphatic 50-24 drubbing of the defending champions.
They sit on top of the table with two big wins, alongside the also-unbeaten NSW Waratahs.
Semi-finalists in the last two seasons, the Brumbies continue to set the standard for Australian teams even after the loss of stars Tom Hooper, Noah Lolesio and Len Ikitau to overseas clubs.
But McReight said the win hadn’t created any extra stress at Ballymore.
“They’re a great side that’s lost some players but keep ripping in. It’s great for the competition, and now it’s our job,” the backrower said.
“We have to continue to strive for that success.
“But no pressure, nup. Just here to get better. Working on things we know we can get better at and improving each game.
“We want to replicate that, but it’s (about) not holding any emotional value to it because you can’t.
“Just worrying about what we can do up here in Queensland.”
McReight captained the Wallabies under-20s to a runner-up finish at the 2019 World Championship but has had to wait for his leadership chance at senior level.
He said the on-field dialogue with the referee had been a key focus in his new role.
“You’ve got to understand and manage that,” he said.
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