Rob Simmons says Waratahs clash is no dead rubber — it’s rugby union’s State of Origin moment

ROB Simmons insists 80 angry minutes can be uncorked versus NSW on Saturday to stall supersized headaches Israel Folau and Will Skelton.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 30: Rob Simmons of the Reds celebrates victory after the round 16 Super Rugby match between the Reds and the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium on May 30, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

REDS rock Rob Simmons insists 80 angry minutes can be uncorked against NSW on Saturday night to stall supersized headaches Israel Folau and Will Skelton.

Identifying their potential nightmares this season has not been the Reds problem. Bungling the game plans designed to minimise them has been a disaster.

Dumb, dinky kicks to fullback Folau were self-torture in the 32-5 loss to the NSW Waratahs in March when the Reds’ kick-chase pressure was also woeful.

The Queenslanders have waited four long months for this shot at avenging their worst loss to NSW in 20 years so the pride on the line at Suncorp Stadium is immense.

“I can guarantee you Saturday night is no dead rubber. It’s State of Origin basically for rugby union,’’ Simmons said.

There was a growl to his tone just as there was from Test prop James Slipper earlier in the week because they were so peeved that the team has being slagged off for lack of effort.

Grizzled Reds icon Stan Pilecki threw the grenade into the ranks by saying he was “embarrassed and disgusted with the effort” in the 30-20 flop against the Western Force last weekend.

“As players, we are not sugar-coating anything,” Simmons said.

“This is not the greatest season we’ve had, especially with consistency in games ... 20 minutes of some brilliant footy and the next 20 quite bad.

“There have been a few changes (to the squad list) and you’d expect a few more for next season.

“Question anything else but not our effort. As players, that was disappointing to hear.”

Simmons packed down with man-mountain Skelton in the Wallabies second-row against France so he knows first-hand the problem hurtling towards the Reds.

Will Skelton charges into the Highlanders defence last weekend at Allianz Stadium.

“First off, it’s talking down his weight to say he’s 135kg. He’s bigger,” Simmons said.

“Obviously, we’ve got to be ready for him punching the ball up in midfield and his off-load.

“Two in the tackle, one low and one wrapping up the upper body is the go or you get into the off-loading channels to stop them.”

The Reds’ flawed defence has conceded 48 tries and 30 points a game this season so a desperate lift in line speed and scrambling is needed.

Israel Folau tries to push away two Highlanders defenders in the Waratahs’ convincing victory.

Simmons said Folau should expect fewer balls kicked down his throat to run back on Saturday night.

“We’re the No.3 (ranked) lineout in defence, so we’ll be kicking more balls into the grandstand and backing that strength rather than giving them play-on situations,” Simmons said.

Ben Lucas is certain to start at halfback with Mike Harris at flyhalf. Rookie winger Chris Kuridrani is set to be given his first chance on the bench.

Originally published as Rob Simmons says Waratahs clash is no dead rubber — it’s rugby union’s State of Origin moment