Super Rugby 2014 draw: Queensland Reds on the road to kick off campaign

THE Reds will be wound up for a spring-loaded start next season after being given four road games in their first five matches.

Quade Cooper

THE Queensland Reds will be wound up for a spring-loaded start in next season's Super Rugby competition after being given four road games in their first five matches.

The Reds' finals fortunes could well be shaped in the first month of a season which starts with challenging derbies on the road against the Brumbies and Waratahs in the first two matches.

Queensland fans' only live sighting of their team in the first five rounds will be on Friday, March 7, against the South African Cheetahs at Suncorp Stadium.

Major home fixtures include clashes with the South African Stormers on March 29 and the Crusaders on May 11 (Mother's Day) plus matches against all Australian sides.

The Reds will miss 2013 competition winners the Chiefs and semi-finalists, the Bulls, in the regular season.
Coach Richard Graham said the draw would provide a chance for the side to bond away from home early in the season.

"This is a fantastic challenge for the Reds," Graham said.

"Four out of our first five games will be on the road, which will give this young group the chance to spend a lot of time together and build a really good understanding.

"We've got tough assignments away to two of our traditional Australian rivals to begin the season, which will provide a wonderful opportunity to start strongly.

"We're really looking forward to our first home fixture against the Cheetahs. Our fans have turned Suncorp Stadium into a fortress."

Each team will play 16 regular season matches (eight home, eight away) in a season stretching from February 15 to October 2.