Reds have plenty to play for in grudge match against the Waratahs

The Reds can ill-afford another Super Rugby Pacific defeat if they want a home qualifying final at Suncorp Stadium.

“Do-or-die footy” has come early for the Queensland Reds in their bid to secure a Super Rugby Pacific home qualifying final.

Fourth on the ladder ahead of their interstate grudge match against the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, the Reds must finish in the top three to play a qualifying final at Suncorp Stadium in the first week of next month’s playoffs.

The Reds are six points adrift of third-placed ACT Brumbies but have played one less match.

“Every week’s do-or-die, especially for our aspirations of making the top three and having a home final,” star Reds flanker Fraser McReight said on Thursday.

“It’s a privilege to be playing do-or-die footy four weeks out from finals.

“We’ve got some really tough teams coming up, first and foremost the ‘Tahs who haven’t lost at home.”

The Waratahs have won five and lost five to be in ninth on the table, three points outside of the top six.

Both the Reds and the Waratahs are coming off losses.

Next stop: Sydney 🛣️ pic.twitter.com/Z6mqO5MbYj

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) May 8, 2025

Queensland was beaten 36-33 by Fijian Drua in Suva last Saturday, while the Waratahs lost 40-17 to the Brumbies in Canberra a few hours later.

“It’s two sides really wanting the win,” McReight said.

“We had a good meeting on Monday (about the loss in Suva) and we came up with a few things that probably weren’t where we wanted to be.

“With our defence, they got through us quite easily and that’s something we wanted to address.

“There was plenty to work on, and what better week to get up for than a ‘Tahs week.

“When they play at home, they grow another leg and add an extra foot to their height, so I feel they’re going to be right up for the challenge.”

McReight said had he been impressed with the form of Waratahs backline utility Joseph Sua’ali’i in his first Super Rugby season since his code switch from rugby league, where he starred for the Sydney Roosters.

“He’s been great. He’s definitely one of their go-to guys. Our job is to do what we do well and try to nullify him as best we can,” McReight said.

Originally published as Reds have plenty to play for in grudge match against the Waratahs