Brumby George backs the Reds

Wallaby legend George Gregan expects fierce competition between the Reds and Brumbies when Super Rugby kicks off in three weeks.

The former Test scrumhalf, who played a record 136 matches for the Brumbies, was speaking ahead of the reds' pre-season matches in the coming weeks.

"First round of trials, I'll back the Reds to beat the Chiefs," Gregan said, adding: "Round one, there's a fierce rivalry between the Reds and the Brumbies.

"I know it's going to be really tough.

"This is a team led by James [Horwill] and Will [Genia] in terms of quality players, everyone's knows who they've got.

"They've got some of the best players in a number of positions and they're a well-balanced squad that know how to win.

"You know it's going to be a really tight game, so it sets up for a great season."

While Super Rugby kicks off in the three weeks, the Reds have two pre-season matches – against the Chiefs in Toowoomba on Saturday, February 8, and the Rebels at Ballymore on Friday, February 14.

Reds skipper James Horwill said he was looking forward to getting back onto the field after a long pre-season had everyone raring to go.

"It's finally here. We've had a lot of guys training for a long time now and they get to finally put that effort into games," Horwill said.

"We're in our final full week of pre-season with our first pre-season match next weekend against the Chiefs."

Gregan also weighed in on the question of Wallabies captaincy and said both Horwill and Genia would make the grade if asked to lead their country again.

"James would love to be in that position, he's done a great job when he's been captain. Will has done it before as well. It's good in the sense that there's a number of candidates," Gregan said.

"Either of these guys would do a great job and I know they'll do what's best for the team and they'll have the support of the group."

Genia, who grew up watching Gregan playing for the Wallabies, said the team's focus was solely on the upcoming Super Rugby season.

"Whatever happens with selection and captaincy comes afterwards so for me it's just about concentrating all my efforts on a great season with the Reds," Genia said.

The Reds' regular season starts February 22, with clashes on the road to the Brumbies and the Waratahs, before their first match at Suncorp Stadium against the Cheetahs on Friday, March 7.

Source: Reds media unit