Queensland captain Tate McDermott has welcomed James O’Connor’s return to flyhalf, saying the veteran’s composure will probably be essential to the Reds’ hopes of guaranteeing themselves a Super Rugby Pacific finals berth by beating Fijian Drua in Suva on Saturday.
A pressure-cooker ambiance awaits the Reds, with the Drua – who’re additionally preventing for a top-eight berth – to be spurred on by a loud and passionate dwelling crowd.
O’Connor will accomplice McDermott within the halves after having spent a number of weeks at inside centre.
“He’s a class player and he calm – that’s exactly what we’re going to need (in Suva),” McDermott stated of the 32-year-old former Reds skipper.
“There are going to be moments when we’re under pressure, and he’s calm, he’s composed, and the boys really respect his voice, so it’s going to be important that he steers the boys around.”
McDermott, who handed concussion protocols to make the journey to Fiji after being compelled off in Queensland’s five-point loss to the Highlanders final week. stated it was “crunch time” for the Reds.
“There’s no next week for the loser of this game,” he stated.
“We’ve got to make sure we match them up front and restrict their ball movement.
“If we can get dominant contact around that collision zone, it will go long way towards getting a result.
“We’ve got a pretty tough mindset. A lot is centred on ourselves but at the same time you’ve got to respect their threats and try our best to shut them down.
“They are very good in front of their home fans and they’re a good side in general.”
Source: www.news.com.au
