Speedy NSW Waratahs want to run Queensland Reds off the SCG

THE Waratahs are backing speed to beat power against Queensland.

NOT since 2013 have Queensland beaten NSW in Super Rugby, and Waratahs skipper Michael Hooper believes the key to maintaining their psychological grip over their old enemies is to run them into the ground at the SCG.

The mobile Tahs forwards will take on a heavy Reds pack that will look to grind NSW’s attack to a halt.

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In recent weeks, NSW has been able to power home in the late stages of games with superior fitness, and Hooper sees similar opportunities against Queensland.

NSW have burnt teams in the closing. Pic Darren England.

“What we have taken from them is building pressure on them, playing smart,” Hooper said.

“They’re a really big pack, how we can make that our best and use that to our advantage is important.”

The Tahs have won seven interstate derbies in a row against the Reds, with their last defeat a 14-12 loss in July, 2013.

“I didn’t even know that was a statistic,” Hooper said when asked about the streak.

“It’s a positive for us but it’s also great motivation for them.

“Every time we play these guys it’s a hard match.”

The Tahs are seeking to win four straight matches for the first time since May 2016, while the Reds hope to avoid their third successive defeat.

“You can’t caught up in ‘things are going all right’, you’ve got to go back to what has been working for us,” Hooper said.

“One of the values we looked at last year, of what we wanted to do as a group, is chasing to be the best we can.

Samu Kerevi will have to step with other forwards sidelined. Pic: Getty Images

“We’re not happy with where we’re at right now and want to improve, and want to take these guys on who are coming down full of steam.

“They’ve come down, they’ve talked about what they want to do down here this weekend. We’re really excited for the challenge. We’re in a good place as a team.”

Queensland will be without their two primary forward ball-carriers, with prop Taniela Tupou (shoulder) and Scott Higginbotham (calf) sidelined with injury.

It leaves rookie Wallabies lock Lukhan Tui and inside centre Samu Kerevi to get the go-forward Queensland will need to break down NSW, who will again use Hooper and openside specialist Will Miller in tandem to speed up the game.

“He is so keen to learn, he’s got a really good take on the game,” Hooper said of Miller.

“I’m enjoying playing with him, he’s pushing me and the rest of the team as well, a good showing of someone who makes the choice to give it a crack.”

Originally published as Speedy NSW Waratahs want to run Queensland Reds off the SCG