Liam Wright thinks a lot of people wrote his Queensland Reds off and history makes it easy to see why.
But, without a win at Christchurch since 1999, the backbrother Wright, who has returned, insisted that there is internal confidence ahead of two consecutive tours to face the formidable Crusaders.
With a possible entry into next week’s second vs. seventh quarter-final, the teams will line up at the Orange Theory Stadium on Friday with a publishing form line behind them.
Nine straight wins against the Reds support the Crusaders to stand as a great super rugby powerhouse, with 18 consecutive defeats away from home against New Zealand opposition indicating where the Reds have a place to improve.
Although the Reds’ last tour two years ago raised their hopes at 24-20.
“It’s a very similar situation … then what we did was show some fighting, putting ourselves in line for each other,” said Wright, who returned from a serious ankle injury on the bench.
“We want to take it to them; It’s a strong team, a lot of people have probably left us out.
Former Reds and Wallabies No. 9 Will Zenia talks about Super Rugby and Wallace selection with Brett McKay and Harry Jones on this week’s Roar Rugby podcast.
“Despite winning last weekend (against Moana Pacific), we didn’t play the way we wanted.
“We need to improve again to get some more momentum in the final and what a challenge this week.”
The Reds will be without the injured Wallabis trio James O’Connor, Taniela Tupau and Hunter Paisami, while England-bound second-rower Lukhan Salakaiya-Lotto has not been selected.
Jordan Petia will be playing outside the center for the first time this season, Lawson Creighton is back at number 10 and Jock Campbell is continuing his Test auditions at fullback.
The Crusaders have strengthened their squad with eight changes to the starting line-up, with hookers Brady McAllister and internationals George Bower, Pablo Matera, David Havili and Will Jordan all returning.
Will Harris signed the extension
Will Harris, the backbone of Warta, has re-signed with the team for another year, leaving him in the blue of the sky for at least the end of the 2023 season.
Originally from Townsville, Harris attended Scots College and was part of the team that won the silver medal at the 2019 Australian U20 World Cup in Argentina. Harris graduated from Waratahs Academy to make his professional debut at the Super Rugby AU in 2020 against the Queensland Reds.
Will Harris (Matt King / Getty Images)
Athletic Backrower is currently enjoying a breakout season for the Wartahs in 2022, starting every match of the season twelve and is currently the team’s top tri-scorer with five attempts.
Harris was excited to play a role in the team’s resurgence in Super Rugby.
“It simply came to our notice then. I love all the people at the club, we are a tight team and I really enjoy the style of football we are playing this year, “Harris said in a statement to the club.
“I feel that I have made some good progress in my game with the help of the coaches and the senior players around me and I believe Waratahra is the best place for my development as a player.
“It’s a really exciting time to be part of Waratah. We’ve almost completed a world-class headquarters, a world-class stadium to play next season and hopefully we’re on track to become a world-class team.”
“We are delighted that Will has re-signed with the team,” said Darren Coleman, head coach of Varatas. It was a breakout year with his consistent performances and ability to find his way across the line of effort.
“Will is a great genius and we are thrilled to be able to play a role in his progress and development to help take his game to the next level.
“Also, as an organization, it’s always a pleasure to be able to retain quality local players like Will, who have come our way and the academy.”
‘I will never sing this song again’
England rugby star Maro Itoz has revealed that he will no longer sing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot because of the origins of the American slavery song.
The music has been played by fans at England matches since 1987 but in 2020 it was the subject of a review by the Rugby Football Union in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Deciding not to ban a song credited to 19th-century free-spirited Wallace Willis, he created a video explaining RFU’s historical context and withdrawing its use from marketing and merchandising.
Hit itoje. (Picture of Adam Davy / PA image via Getty Images)
Eto’o has previously said that Swing Low made him feel “uncomfortable”, adding that his background was “complex”, but England, second in line with Nigerian tradition, has now chosen to take a different position.
“I’m not going to tell people what they should or shouldn’t do, but, personally, I’m not going to sing this song anymore,” Itoze told L’Equip.
“I sang it before when I was stupid and didn’t know the source. But, now that I know the context of making Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, it’s not the kind of music I’m going to repeat.”
Doubt Eddie’s plan
Eddie Jones’ plan to use the Cuji Oval before the third Test on July 16 could be jeopardized by Sydney’s big wet.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Jones’ assistant – former South and Broncos coach Anthony Seabold – will try to lock in a training venue with Rugby Australia and Randwick officials next week.
“Meeting with Trigger-Happy Council across Sydney this year, Randwick Council’s Rain Gauge Eddie will make a final decision on whether he wants a Cuisi Oval,” the Herald reports.
“Sydney’s big wet Galloping Greens have been forced several times this season at Cuisi Oval, with only nine of the 24 games scheduled. The Turing Super Rugby teams also failed to train at the seaside Oval this year. ”
(With AAP)