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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Kiss goodbye to doubts about safety of betting on Reds
The statistics make ugly reading for the Queensland Reds, but the Super Rugby Pacific underdogs are hopeful a seed planted a year ago in Christchurch bears them finals fruit. A Crusaders team on a 16-game finals winning streak, dotted with 10 All Blacks in their starting 15, will welcome the Reds on a cold, wet Christchurch Friday night. Losses in 13 of their past 14 games, including a season-worst 43-19 drubbing this campaign, sums up the one-sided rivalry. Rob Penney's side pipped the ACT Brumbies in Canberra in their battle for second place, while the fifth-placed Reds haven't beaten a top-four side all season. "Absolutely formidable," Reds coach Les Kiss summed up ahead of their must-win qualifying final. "We'll have to take a few hits, might be on the ropes, but we just have a belief we can fight back from those moments." The belief comes from victory there last year that ended a 25-year drought - the Crusaders' only loss to an Australian side in their past 21 games - and the Reds' new-found composure behind flyhalf Tom Lynagh since. They were able to turn the tables on the Highlanders this season, resorting to their trusty scrum to engineer a comeback win. Named at No.8, Harry Wilson's availability after an injury scare on Saturday was a huge mid-week boost. And super-boot Lynagh's competition-best 87 per cent conversion rate could also prove crucial in tough conditions, while the ruck and lineout will be a battle against a Crusaders team stacked with high-calibre Test talent. "It does plant a seed for us, hopefully plants a seed of doubt for them," Kiss said of victory in Christchurch last year. "It's a challenge; he (Lynagh) is up for it and hasn't failed a challenge yet, from what I've seen. "There's been a lot said about what the Crusaders are good at over there and we respect that, but I'll back Tommy to stand up and direct us around the park. "Let's go see what happens." Wilson's combination with flanker Fraser McReight, who is fourth in the competition with 17 turnovers from 12 games, will also be a pivotal one. McReight's influence was curbed in a 31-27 loss to the Hurricanes two weeks ago that dropped them out of the top four. Hurricanes captain and opposing flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi managed that contest superbly. Kiss has urged the Reds to avoid a repeat on Friday against a back row featuring Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie. "Control the errors and ensure the breakdown is not left up to the ref to decide," Kiss said. "Do our job there to get the kind of ball we want." Former Reds playmaker James O'Connor will come off the bench for the Crusaders as the 34-year-old strengthens his case for a Wallabies recall. He has played just 328 minutes this year - Lynagh has logged 703 - but been impactful at the late stages with his kicking and decision-making. "He's been brilliant there, hasn't he," Kiss said of O'Connor, who left Ballymore after an injury-riddled 2024. "I can only say good things about James. He was good here ... gone over there and done a similar job. "Good luck to him, just not too much on Friday night." HISTORY AGAINST THE REDS * Lost 13 of past 14 games against Crusaders * Crusaders on a record 16-game finals winning streak dating back to 2016 * Reds' 2024 win the Crusaders' only home loss to Australian opponents in their past 21 games. * Three straight quarter-final losses for Reds and only one score of 25+ points in club's 13 finals appearances The statistics make ugly reading for the Queensland Reds, but the Super Rugby Pacific underdogs are hopeful a seed planted a year ago in Christchurch bears them finals fruit. A Crusaders team on a 16-game finals winning streak, dotted with 10 All Blacks in their starting 15, will welcome the Reds on a cold, wet Christchurch Friday night. Losses in 13 of their past 14 games, including a season-worst 43-19 drubbing this campaign, sums up the one-sided rivalry. Rob Penney's side pipped the ACT Brumbies in Canberra in their battle for second place, while the fifth-placed Reds haven't beaten a top-four side all season. "Absolutely formidable," Reds coach Les Kiss summed up ahead of their must-win qualifying final. "We'll have to take a few hits, might be on the ropes, but we just have a belief we can fight back from those moments." The belief comes from victory there last year that ended a 25-year drought - the Crusaders' only loss to an Australian side in their past 21 games - and the Reds' new-found composure behind flyhalf Tom Lynagh since. They were able to turn the tables on the Highlanders this season, resorting to their trusty scrum to engineer a comeback win. Named at No.8, Harry Wilson's availability after an injury scare on Saturday was a huge mid-week boost. And super-boot Lynagh's competition-best 87 per cent conversion rate could also prove crucial in tough conditions, while the ruck and lineout will be a battle against a Crusaders team stacked with high-calibre Test talent. "It does plant a seed for us, hopefully plants a seed of doubt for them," Kiss said of victory in Christchurch last year. "It's a challenge; he (Lynagh) is up for it and hasn't failed a challenge yet, from what I've seen. "There's been a lot said about what the Crusaders are good at over there and we respect that, but I'll back Tommy to stand up and direct us around the park. "Let's go see what happens." Wilson's combination with flanker Fraser McReight, who is fourth in the competition with 17 turnovers from 12 games, will also be a pivotal one. McReight's influence was curbed in a 31-27 loss to the Hurricanes two weeks ago that dropped them out of the top four. Hurricanes captain and opposing flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi managed that contest superbly. Kiss has urged the Reds to avoid a repeat on Friday against a back row featuring Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie. "Control the errors and ensure the breakdown is not left up to the ref to decide," Kiss said. "Do our job there to get the kind of ball we want." Former Reds playmaker James O'Connor will come off the bench for the Crusaders as the 34-year-old strengthens his case for a Wallabies recall. He has played just 328 minutes this year - Lynagh has logged 703 - but been impactful at the late stages with his kicking and decision-making. "He's been brilliant there, hasn't he," Kiss said of O'Connor, who left Ballymore after an injury-riddled 2024. "I can only say good things about James. He was good here ... gone over there and done a similar job. "Good luck to him, just not too much on Friday night." HISTORY AGAINST THE REDS * Lost 13 of past 14 games against Crusaders * Crusaders on a record 16-game finals winning streak dating back to 2016 * Reds' 2024 win the Crusaders' only home loss to Australian opponents in their past 21 games. * Three straight quarter-final losses for Reds and only one score of 25+ points in club's 13 finals appearances The statistics make ugly reading for the Queensland Reds, but the Super Rugby Pacific underdogs are hopeful a seed planted a year ago in Christchurch bears them finals fruit. A Crusaders team on a 16-game finals winning streak, dotted with 10 All Blacks in their starting 15, will welcome the Reds on a cold, wet Christchurch Friday night. Losses in 13 of their past 14 games, including a season-worst 43-19 drubbing this campaign, sums up the one-sided rivalry. Rob Penney's side pipped the ACT Brumbies in Canberra in their battle for second place, while the fifth-placed Reds haven't beaten a top-four side all season. "Absolutely formidable," Reds coach Les Kiss summed up ahead of their must-win qualifying final. "We'll have to take a few hits, might be on the ropes, but we just have a belief we can fight back from those moments." The belief comes from victory there last year that ended a 25-year drought - the Crusaders' only loss to an Australian side in their past 21 games - and the Reds' new-found composure behind flyhalf Tom Lynagh since. They were able to turn the tables on the Highlanders this season, resorting to their trusty scrum to engineer a comeback win. Named at No.8, Harry Wilson's availability after an injury scare on Saturday was a huge mid-week boost. And super-boot Lynagh's competition-best 87 per cent conversion rate could also prove crucial in tough conditions, while the ruck and lineout will be a battle against a Crusaders team stacked with high-calibre Test talent. "It does plant a seed for us, hopefully plants a seed of doubt for them," Kiss said of victory in Christchurch last year. "It's a challenge; he (Lynagh) is up for it and hasn't failed a challenge yet, from what I've seen. "There's been a lot said about what the Crusaders are good at over there and we respect that, but I'll back Tommy to stand up and direct us around the park. "Let's go see what happens." Wilson's combination with flanker Fraser McReight, who is fourth in the competition with 17 turnovers from 12 games, will also be a pivotal one. McReight's influence was curbed in a 31-27 loss to the Hurricanes two weeks ago that dropped them out of the top four. Hurricanes captain and opposing flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi managed that contest superbly. Kiss has urged the Reds to avoid a repeat on Friday against a back row featuring Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie. "Control the errors and ensure the breakdown is not left up to the ref to decide," Kiss said. "Do our job there to get the kind of ball we want." Former Reds playmaker James O'Connor will come off the bench for the Crusaders as the 34-year-old strengthens his case for a Wallabies recall. He has played just 328 minutes this year - Lynagh has logged 703 - but been impactful at the late stages with his kicking and decision-making. "He's been brilliant there, hasn't he," Kiss said of O'Connor, who left Ballymore after an injury-riddled 2024. "I can only say good things about James. He was good here ... gone over there and done a similar job. "Good luck to him, just not too much on Friday night." HISTORY AGAINST THE REDS * Lost 13 of past 14 games against Crusaders * Crusaders on a record 16-game finals winning streak dating back to 2016 * Reds' 2024 win the Crusaders' only home loss to Australian opponents in their past 21 games. * Three straight quarter-final losses for Reds and only one score of 25+ points in club's 13 finals appearances
Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict
This is a clash of master versus apprentice like Australian rugby has not seen in years, and right at the heart of the Wallabies' hopes of dismantling the British and Irish Lions. On one side stands Tom Lynagh, the evolving five-eighth whose father Michael's legacy ensured expectations would always follow him. On the other side awaits James O'Connor, the nation's last No.10 to battle the Lions, and who has developed a reputation in 2025 as a composed finisher off the bench. He also happens to be the man who mentored Lynagh behind the scenes at Ballymore last year, although the 22-year-old admits he has not heard from him for weeks. When Lynagh's Queensland Reds head to Christchurch to challenge O'Connor's Crusaders in the first week of the finals, more will be on the line than Wallabies caps. Australian rugby has been crying out for Super Rugby success. The country's two clubs still with hope have stumbled at this stage – the Reds, three straight quarter-final exits, and the Brumbies, perennial semi-finalists. Lynagh's task will be daunting. He's set to play 80 minutes, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips ruled out with a concussion suffered on Saturday against the Fijian Drua. Loading 'You've seen how much of a professional he is,' Reds outside centre Josh Flook said. 'He's just improving week by week, he's getting more confident and his game management's increasing. Even just through the week how he's speaking up at meetings, it's a really cool thing, and we'll back him 100 per cent.' Triumph across the ditch might mean more than ending the Reds' first week of the finals hoodoo. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has stated finals form would favour consideration at the selection table, while noting those who had committed to Australian rugby would be preferred in tight choices. That puts Brumbies star Noah Lolesio, Schmidt's leading man in 2024, on the back foot, with the Gold Coast product headed for Japan. Should Lynagh orchestrate a finals shock in enemy territory, the jersey could be sealed. 'What I have seen [of Lynagh] is really positive,' Schmidt said. 'I think Tom is a really brave player, defensively he does a good job, and he's actually a lot better in the air than people would give him credit for. 'His kicking game is long enough, his passing game is efficient, and he's growing into a guy who can drive the game around the field. They're a lot of the aspects we would be looking for.' Lynagh is confident he has the game to thrive in Wallabies colours. He has developed a fierce running game to complement his booming boot – which inspired three of winger Lachie Anderson's four tries against the Drua – as his combination with Reds and Australia halfback Tate McDermott grows. 'The big thing about Tommy is he's strung multiple games together, which hasn't happened in the past,' McDermott said. 'He's controlled and led the side, which is not easy at his age. 'We can go into the Test arena together, 100 per cent, but in order to do that we have to be playing consistently good in the maroon jersey. 'I think we've only just started.' And yet, Lynagh refused to think that far ahead. 'Obviously, the deeper you go [in finals] you've got a better opportunity and more time to show what you've got,' Lynagh said. 'But I want to take care of what we've got in front of us and stay present.' In O'Connor's case, Schmidt has spoken to him about the prospect of an international swan song. The 34-year-old's steady hand, direct kicking game and effective work off the tee has been, in part, responsible for the Crusaders' second-place finish. O'Connor's Test return has the backing of former Wallabies skipper James Horwill, who waged war with the Lions alongside O'Connor in 2013 and declared: 'I'm sure he's in the mix'. Loading Such has been O'Connor's proficiency in the closing minutes, a fast start will be crucial for the Reds. This stage of the season has been a tipping point, but Lynagh declared the team was not the same as those that fell in the past. 'We've got belief to turn games around if things aren't going our way, and that's based on past experiences we've had as a team together,' Lynagh said.
The Age
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Age
Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict
This is a clash of master versus apprentice like Australian rugby has not seen in years, and right at the heart of the Wallabies' hopes of dismantling the British and Irish Lions. On one side stands Tom Lynagh, the evolving five-eighth whose father Michael's legacy ensured expectations would always follow him. On the other side awaits James O'Connor, the nation's last No.10 to battle the Lions, and who has developed a reputation in 2025 as a composed finisher off the bench. He also happens to be the man who mentored Lynagh behind the scenes at Ballymore last year, although the 22-year-old admits he has not heard from him for weeks. When Lynagh's Queensland Reds head to Christchurch to challenge O'Connor's Crusaders in the first week of the finals, more will be on the line than Wallabies caps. Australian rugby has been crying out for Super Rugby success. The country's two clubs still with hope have stumbled at this stage – the Reds, three straight quarter-final exits, and the Brumbies, perennial semi-finalists. Lynagh's task will be daunting. He's set to play 80 minutes, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips ruled out with a concussion suffered on Saturday against the Fijian Drua. Loading 'You've seen how much of a professional he is,' Reds outside centre Josh Flook said. 'He's just improving week by week, he's getting more confident and his game management's increasing. Even just through the week how he's speaking up at meetings, it's a really cool thing, and we'll back him 100 per cent.' Triumph across the ditch might mean more than ending the Reds' first week of the finals hoodoo. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has stated finals form would favour consideration at the selection table, while noting those who had committed to Australian rugby would be preferred in tight choices. That puts Brumbies star Noah Lolesio, Schmidt's leading man in 2024, on the back foot, with the Gold Coast product headed for Japan. Should Lynagh orchestrate a finals shock in enemy territory, the jersey could be sealed. 'What I have seen [of Lynagh] is really positive,' Schmidt said. 'I think Tom is a really brave player, defensively he does a good job, and he's actually a lot better in the air than people would give him credit for. 'His kicking game is long enough, his passing game is efficient, and he's growing into a guy who can drive the game around the field. They're a lot of the aspects we would be looking for.' Lynagh is confident he has the game to thrive in Wallabies colours. He has developed a fierce running game to complement his booming boot – which inspired three of winger Lachie Anderson's four tries against the Drua – as his combination with Reds and Australia halfback Tate McDermott grows. 'The big thing about Tommy is he's strung multiple games together, which hasn't happened in the past,' McDermott said. 'He's controlled and led the side, which is not easy at his age. 'We can go into the Test arena together, 100 per cent, but in order to do that we have to be playing consistently good in the maroon jersey. 'I think we've only just started.' And yet, Lynagh refused to think that far ahead. 'Obviously, the deeper you go [in finals] you've got a better opportunity and more time to show what you've got,' Lynagh said. 'But I want to take care of what we've got in front of us and stay present.' In O'Connor's case, Schmidt has spoken to him about the prospect of an international swan song. The 34-year-old's steady hand, direct kicking game and effective work off the tee has been, in part, responsible for the Crusaders' second-place finish. O'Connor's Test return has the backing of former Wallabies skipper James Horwill, who waged war with the Lions alongside O'Connor in 2013 and declared: 'I'm sure he's in the mix'. Loading Such has been O'Connor's proficiency in the closing minutes, a fast start will be crucial for the Reds. This stage of the season has been a tipping point, but Lynagh declared the team was not the same as those that fell in the past. 'We've got belief to turn games around if things aren't going our way, and that's based on past experiences we've had as a team together,' Lynagh said.
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Kiss goodbye to doubts about safety of betting on Reds
The statistics make ugly reading for the Queensland Reds, but the Super Rugby Pacific underdogs are hopeful a seed planted a year ago in Christchurch bears them finals fruit. A Crusaders team on a 16-game finals winning streak, dotted with 10 All Blacks in their starting 15, will welcome the Reds on a cold, wet Christchurch Friday night. Losses in 13 of their past 14 games, including a season-worst 43-19 drubbing this campaign, sums up the one-sided rivalry. Rob Penney's side pipped the ACT Brumbies in Canberra in their battle for second place, while the fifth-placed Reds haven't beaten a top-four side all season. "Absolutely formidable," Reds coach Les Kiss summed up ahead of their must-win qualifying final. "We'll have to take a few hits, might be on the ropes, but we just have a belief we can fight back from those moments." The belief comes from victory there last year that ended a 25-year drought - the Crusaders' only loss to an Australian side in their past 21 games - and the Reds' new-found composure behind flyhalf Tom Lynagh since. They were able to turn the tables on the Highlanders this season, resorting to their trusty scrum to engineer a comeback win. Named at No.8, Harry Wilson's availability after an injury scare on Saturday was a huge mid-week boost. And super-boot Lynagh's competition-best 87 per cent conversion rate could also prove crucial in tough conditions, while the ruck and lineout will be a battle against a Crusaders team stacked with high-calibre Test talent. "It does plant a seed for us, hopefully plants a seed of doubt for them," Kiss said of victory in Christchurch last year. "It's a challenge; he (Lynagh) is up for it and hasn't failed a challenge yet, from what I've seen. "There's been a lot said about what the Crusaders are good at over there and we respect that, but I'll back Tommy to stand up and direct us around the park. "Let's go see what happens." Wilson's combination with flanker Fraser McReight, who is fourth in the competition with 17 turnovers from 12 games, will also be a pivotal one. McReight's influence was curbed in a 31-27 loss to the Hurricanes two weeks ago that dropped them out of the top four. Hurricanes captain and opposing flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi managed that contest superbly. Kiss has urged the Reds to avoid a repeat on Friday against a back row featuring Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie. "Control the errors and ensure the breakdown is not left up to the ref to decide," Kiss said. "Do our job there to get the kind of ball we want." Former Reds playmaker James O'Connor will come off the bench for the Crusaders as the 34-year-old strengthens his case for a Wallabies recall. He has played just 328 minutes this year - Lynagh has logged 703 - but been impactful at the late stages with his kicking and decision-making. "He's been brilliant there, hasn't he," Kiss said of O'Connor, who left Ballymore after an injury-riddled 2024. "I can only say good things about James. He was good here ... gone over there and done a similar job. "Good luck to him, just not too much on Friday night." HISTORY AGAINST THE REDS * Lost 13 of past 14 games against Crusaders * Crusaders on a record 16-game finals winning streak dating back to 2016 * Reds' 2024 win the Crusaders' only home loss to Australian opponents in their past 21 games. * Three straight quarter-final losses for Reds and only one score of 25+ points in club's 13 finals appearances
West Australian
11 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Kiss goodbye to doubts about safety of betting on Reds
The statistics make ugly reading for the Queensland Reds, but the Super Rugby Pacific underdogs are hopeful a seed planted a year ago in Christchurch bears them finals fruit. A Crusaders team on a 16-game finals winning streak, dotted with 10 All Blacks in their starting 15, will welcome the Reds on a cold, wet Christchurch Friday night. Losses in 13 of their past 14 games, including a season-worst 43-19 drubbing this campaign, sums up the one-sided rivalry. Rob Penney's side pipped the ACT Brumbies in Canberra in their battle for second place, while the fifth-placed Reds haven't beaten a top-four side all season. "Absolutely formidable," Reds coach Les Kiss summed up ahead of their must-win qualifying final. "We'll have to take a few hits, might be on the ropes, but we just have a belief we can fight back from those moments." The belief comes from victory there last year that ended a 25-year drought - the Crusaders' only loss to an Australian side in their past 21 games - and the Reds' new-found composure behind flyhalf Tom Lynagh since. They were able to turn the tables on the Highlanders this season, resorting to their trusty scrum to engineer a comeback win. Named at No.8, Harry Wilson's availability after an injury scare on Saturday was a huge mid-week boost. And super-boot Lynagh's competition-best 87 per cent conversion rate could also prove crucial in tough conditions, while the ruck and lineout will be a battle against a Crusaders team stacked with high-calibre Test talent. "It does plant a seed for us, hopefully plants a seed of doubt for them," Kiss said of victory in Christchurch last year. "It's a challenge; he (Lynagh) is up for it and hasn't failed a challenge yet, from what I've seen. "There's been a lot said about what the Crusaders are good at over there and we respect that, but I'll back Tommy to stand up and direct us around the park. "Let's go see what happens." Wilson's combination with flanker Fraser McReight, who is fourth in the competition with 17 turnovers from 12 games, will also be a pivotal one. McReight's influence was curbed in a 31-27 loss to the Hurricanes two weeks ago that dropped them out of the top four. Hurricanes captain and opposing flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi managed that contest superbly. Kiss has urged the Reds to avoid a repeat on Friday against a back row featuring Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie. "Control the errors and ensure the breakdown is not left up to the ref to decide," Kiss said. "Do our job there to get the kind of ball we want." Former Reds playmaker James O'Connor will come off the bench for the Crusaders as the 34-year-old strengthens his case for a Wallabies recall. He has played just 328 minutes this year - Lynagh has logged 703 - but been impactful at the late stages with his kicking and decision-making. "He's been brilliant there, hasn't he," Kiss said of O'Connor, who left Ballymore after an injury-riddled 2024. "I can only say good things about James. He was good here ... gone over there and done a similar job. "Good luck to him, just not too much on Friday night." HISTORY AGAINST THE REDS * Lost 13 of past 14 games against Crusaders * Crusaders on a record 16-game finals winning streak dating back to 2016 * Reds' 2024 win the Crusaders' only home loss to Australian opponents in their past 21 games. * Three straight quarter-final losses for Reds and only one score of 25+ points in club's 13 finals appearances
