Queensland Reds locked and loaded ahead of Crusaders clash, writes Rob Simmons

IN his exclusive column, Queensland Reds veteran Rob Simmons reveals how a rocket from coach Nick Stiles has them primed for the Crusaders showdown.

WE copped both barrels from coach Nick Stiles to start the week and deserved it because the level we have to hit on Saturday demands every player produce far more.

I have been playing the Crusaders since 2010 and their consistency in setting a high standard is their hallmark.

That and the speed at which they play their skilful style.

When the Reds have thrown speed and confrontation back at them we have produced some of our best wins, three in a row at one stage which culminated in the 2011 Super Rugby final.

To find that standard, we have to stand up in every position which we failed to do in that disappointing (26-19) loss to the Western Force in the last round.

Reds star Rob Simmons in the old Ballymore dressing room. Picture Tara Croser.

When we had opportunities against the Force, they weren’t taken. Some poor lineouts, not nailing a few scrums, skill breakdowns ... it crumbled from there.

Stilesy teed off but there has been no finger pointing.

Fixing a misfiring lineout doesn’t fall on one player. From early in the week, the forwards en masse have been all over a better knowledge of our movements and triggers so we can execute far better in this key area tonight.

That includes new lock Izack Rodda. He’s good.

He’s one of those guys with an experienced head on 20-year-old shoulders.

He’s a big, strong bugger who has shown a real willingness to learn and I’ve been happy to pass on all I can.

I remember being a young lock in my own debut season in 2009 when I was lucky enough to be able to ask questions of a veteran, Van Humphries.

We are up against one of the top locks in the business tonight in Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock.

You always want to measure yourself against the best and this is the chance against All Blacks like him and a Kiwi side that keeps setting a high standard.

Originally published as Queensland Reds locked and loaded ahead of Crusaders clash, writes Rob Simmons