History of hate: Relive the best sledges from the Reds-Waratahs rivalry

THERE have been many memorable stinks in Reds-Tahs clashes but often it’s the tongue that cuts deepest. Here’s eight of the best sledges from rugby’s greatest derby.

ONE punch or one classic punchline will revive a grand tradition of sparring when the Battle of the Border heats up at Suncorp Stadium.

Queensland coach Nick Stiles knows the niggle that flares in these most traditional of rugby derbies because he’s dished it out himself against NSW ... and copped it.

When the Reds copied the State of Origin tradition of bussing down Caxton Street to the ground for the 2004 clash, prop Stiles couldn’t believe the vanguard of a 42,000-strong crowd.

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Teammate and turnstile-turner Wendell Sailor quickly put Stiles at ease: “Mate, rest assured they’ve not come here to see you.”

Here’s a favourite eight to stir the hate from the roll call of great interstate sledges.

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1. “I can’t believe I missed something that big.” – Queensland winger Damian Smith after throwing a punch and missing the head of NSW winger David Campese in 1996.

2. “Do those pies come with sauce?” – Toutai Kefu sledging former Queenslander Brendan Cannon as a “pie-thrower” for botching a lineout throw for NSW in 2000.

3. “You always knew that in NSW sides there were a lot of big-noting, pea-hearted impostors.” – Queensland stalwart Rod McCall on his 1980s-’90s experiences.

James Slipper and Michael Hooper. Picture: Jono Searle.

4. “You’re better suited to playing at 3pm than at prime time.’’ – NSW back Morgan Turinui waving Reds prop Tama Tuirirangi to the sin bin in 2007.

5. “It was great touring with Queenslanders because it always ensured there were some terrific banjo players in the team.” – NSW great Simon Poidevin delivers his classic inbreeding sledge.

6. “He couldn’t coach a choko vine over a dunny door.’’ – The late Jim Kenny about any NSW coach and he didn’t even know Matt Williams.

7. “You’ve got more chins than a Chinatown phonebook,” – Nick Stiles to roly-poly NSW prop Matt Dunning in 2001.

8. “Queensland is about to be overrun by invaders from Planet Dell ... fresh from their bonding session on Brokeback Mountain.’’ – Chris Handy takes a potshot at defector Sailor in 2006.