Reds stick with winning formula

Having been thrashed 47-13 by the Hurricanes on the opening weekend of the season, the Reds hit again arduous final Sunday with 71-20 demolition of the Western Force.

Flyhalf O’Connor and utility again Campbell returned from harm within the win through the bench, and so they have once more been given the position of “finishers” this weekend.

Reds co-captain Tate McDermott backed the pair to offer the Queenslanders with composure within the closing phases of what guarantees to be a tricky encounter in opposition to the unbeaten Brumbies.

“Jock’s had a handful of Wallabies caps but James has been there, in and around that (Wallabies) set-up for a number of years, and he’s an older head that’s really important at the end of the game,” McDermott mentioned.

“Their experience and their game-management towards the back end of the game will be crucial, particularly in a game like this.”

McDermott mentioned “consistency” in choice was essential for the Reds.

“Having an unchanged starting team … is a step in the right direction.”

Halfback McDermott was delighted with the way in which the Reds bounced again in opposition to the Force after their first-up loss.

“We asked the boys for a response and they did that in spades, (but) we can’t really get ahead of ourselves,” he mentioned.

“(The Brumbies are) another really important challenge for us. We found out where we were as a side in round one and we’ve grown a lot.

“We’ve had six days to prepare for the best team in Australia. We’ve had some pretty fierce encounters over the past couple of years and we’ve developed a pretty good rivalry.”

Reds: Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia. Bench: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Peni Ravai, Connor Vest, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Jock Campbell.