Reds intent on retaining Bob Templeton Cup by beating struggling Waratahs

Regardless of where the Reds and the Waratahs are placed on the ladder, whenever they meet, it’s the ‘most important game in the calendar for Australian rugby’, according to Queensland coach Les Kiss.

Reds star Fraser McReight takes on the Waratahs defence. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

It’s a dead rubber in terms of where his side will finish on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, but Reds coach Les Kiss won’t settle for anything less than victory when the Reds meet the Waratahs for the Bob Templeton Cup on Friday night.

“Our focus is on the fact this is probably the most important game in the calendar for Australian rugby,” Kiss said ahead of the clash at Allianz Stadium.

“There’s a trophy up for grabs which we currently own and we want to make sure we do what is necessary to win it.

“It’s Queensland v NSW. I don’t think you need fear whether both teams will be ready for this. It’ll be a good game.”

Regardless of the result, the Reds will play finals football and finish in fifth spot on the ladder.

In contrast, the end of the season can’t come soon for the last-placed Waratahs, who have won only two of their 13 matches in a disastrous 2024 campaign.

The Waratahs’ poor form has led to the axing of coach Darren Coleman, who will guide NSW for the final time on Friday night.

Reds coach Les Kiss has guided Queensland to the Super Rugby Pacific finals series. Picture: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

“Darren doesn’t need me to feel sorry for him. It’s not about that,” Kiss said.

“I just know he’s a good man and a good coach, and the boys will play for him this weekend, no doubt.

“These situations will always happen, but I know they’re going to turn up on Friday night, and he’s one of the reasons, so we just have to be ready.”

Kiss continues to tinker with his team, making four changes to side that started in last Saturday’s 59-13 thrashing of the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium.

Three of the alterations are in the pack, with prop Zane Nonggorr, lock Connor Vest and No.8 Joe Brial – the son of former Waratahs captain Michael Brial – replacing Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith and John Bryant respectively.

“I’ll have 20-odd family at the game,” Joe said.

“I know what cap Dad will be wearing. You’ll have to wait and see.”

The other change is at flyhalf, where Lawson Creighton has regained the No.10 jersey from Tom Lynagh, who drops to the bench.

“It’s great to have the options we do at No.10,” Kiss said.

“`Lawso’ has shown really good form. He will start. Tom had his first big outing after a break last weekend against the Western Force and will be a finisher in this game.”

With Lynagh reverting to the bench, experienced flyhalf James O’Connor will play Brisbane club rugby for Brothers to get some much-needed match minutes into his legs ahead of the finals series.

Reds: Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Taj Annan.

Waratahs: Paddy Ryan, Jay Fonokalafi, Tom Ross, Jed Holloway, Miles Amatosero, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Jack Bowen, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Mark Nawaqanitawase. Bench: Ben Sugars, Lewis Ponini, Brad Amituanai, Hugh Sinclair, Fergus Lee-Warner, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Izaia Perese.

Originally published as Reds intent on retaining Bob Templeton Cup by beating struggling Waratahs