Reds Aim to Rattle Waratah Recruit in Super Rugby Opener
The Queensland Reds are gearing up for a fiery Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney, with a particular focus on a familiar face now playing in enemy territory. Angus Blyth, the former Reds lock, will make his debut for the Waratahs against his old club, six years after famously sporting “REDS” shaved into his head for a Super Rugby AU final against the very same opposition. This reunion is set to inject a significant dose of spice into the highly anticipated clash.
Queensland captain Fraser McReight has openly declared his team’s intentions, promising Blyth a less-than-welcoming reception from his former teammates. McReight even quipped about putting a “bounty” on the 27-year-old’s head, indicating a desire for his players to make their presence felt. “Whoever can get him, mate. Doesn’t matter to me who gets him first but as long as he gets get,” McReight stated when asked about targeting the Reds’ defector. This sentiment highlights the competitive intensity expected from the Queenslanders as they face a player who knows their systems intimately.
Adding fuel to the fire, former Wallabies World Cup finalist and proud Queenslander, Wendell Sailor, has weighed in on the potential for a heated encounter. Sailor believes the Waratahs’ firebrand, Miles Amatosero, will be a key target for the Reds, especially given his recent pre-season disciplinary issues. Amatosero is returning from a two-game suspension incurred for an altercation with teammate Angus Scott-Young during a training session. The incident, which saw the 23-year-old land multiple punches, initially resulted in a four-match ban, later halved after he completed counselling.
Sailor, a dual international, is convinced that the Reds will attempt to exploit Amatosero’s volatile nature. “Like all firebrands in any sort of code, you’ve got to try and bait them,” Sailor commented. He emphasised how such dynamics add to the excitement of a derby match. “I know in the dressing rooms, you talk about it. I remember us all saying, ‘You’ve got to get into him early’, because he’ll be all fired up and it’s one of those things where you’ve got to use all your tools to make sure you try and get the upper hand. Because it could be a one-point or three-point game and that may be the difference.” This suggests a strategic approach from the Reds, aiming to disrupt the Waratahs’ rhythm by targeting their more impulsive players.
New Captains Steer the Ship
Beyond the individual battles, both the Reds and the Waratahs will be led by new captains this season. Fraser McReight steps into the captaincy for the Reds, taking over from Tate McDermott. Meanwhile, the Waratahs have appointed Matt Philip as their new leader, replacing the long-serving Jake Gordon. This transition marks a significant moment for Philip, a Sydney-born 31-year-old who has had a remarkable journey to captaincy.
Philip’s appointment is particularly noteworthy as he has never before played a Super Rugby game for the Waratahs. A true rugby journeyman, he boasts 31 Test caps for the Wallabies and has plied his trade across various clubs in New Zealand, France, and within Australia, including stints with Perth, Melbourne, and the Sydney Stars. This wealth of experience makes him a seasoned leader, despite the novelty of his Super Rugby debut for the Tahs.
“First Super Rugby game for the Waratahs, not taking it lightly,” Philip stated, acknowledging the significance of the occasion. “I’m proud to have finally got to this stage in my career. Took a long time, (I’m) nearly 32, but very happy to be here. But this is where the work really begins now, so there’s a lot of responsibility that comes along with that. I’ve watched many games (while) younger from the stands, even last year when I came back from Japan, so it’s pretty cool. I know what a big achievement it is.” His words reflect a deep appreciation for the opportunity and a clear understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. The Waratahs will be looking to Philip’s leadership to guide them through what is sure to be a tough opening fixture against a determined Queensland side.
