Queensland Reds must defy `hoodoo’ to beat the Chiefs on New Zealand soil

If the Queensland Reds are to remain alive in the Super Rugby Pacific finals series, they must do what they couldn’t achieve last year against the same team at the same venue.

Josh Flook (centre) has re-signed with the Queensland Reds. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

As optimistic as Reds coach Les Kiss is, he admits Queensland faces a “daunting” task on Friday night in attempting to become the first Australian team to win a Super Rugby finals match in New Zealand in the competition’s 28-year history.

The Reds travel to Hamilton to meet the Chiefs in a repeat of last season’s Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final the Kiwi outfit won 29-20 at the same venue, FMG Stadium.

The Queenslanders hit back with a 25-19 win over the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium earlier this season, but Kiss knows it will be much tougher to end the drought for Australian teams on New Zealand soil in playoff games.

“That’s fairly daunting … but it’s hard to win in New Zealand. It’s hard to win in Hamilton,” he said.

“Getting that home advantage is a massive thing in finals footy, particularly with the Super Rugby Pacific (competition) … but I’m an optimist and a realist at the same time.

“Things are possible, but we’re going to have to be our best to break that hoodoo.”

The Reds have received a boost ahead of the do-or-die clash with the re-signings of former Brothers pair Ryan Smith and centre Josh Flook for the 2025 season.

Ryan Smith is happy to have extended his stay at the Queensland Reds. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

“I’m excited to stay here for another year. It is a no-brainer,” said centre Flook, who has made 51 appearances for Queensland.

“It’s a really good environment and the fresh faces in this season have made a difference.

“There are very good vibes around this quarter-final. Part of that is everyone buying into what we are doing and our game style over the past few months.

“Les and the coaches talk a lot about being useful and staying that way for the team throughout a game.”

Smith has played more minutes that any other tight forward from the competition’s five Australian teams this season in lifting his Queensland match tally to 57.

“The team has done some pretty cool stuff in a short time and what we are learning under the new coaches is a big part of that,” the 27-year-old lock said

“I definitely feel like I’ve advanced my game around the physicality, being far more consistent and lowering the number of penalties I give away.”

Kiss was full of praise for the pair, saying both players had “certainly put themselves in the eyes of the selectors for higher honours”.

“The qualities we see in `Flooky’ come through on and off the field. He has excellent timing in attack and defence,” the Reds coach said.

“`Ryano’ has put in such a shift for us this season. He’s been impressive in the tight and he’s a well-liked character in the locker room.”

Originally published as Queensland Reds must defy `hoodoo’ to beat the Chiefs on New Zealand soil