Reds hoping for Wallaby boost
The Reds hope to have Wallaby stars James Horwill and Will Genia back for their play-off against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Brisbane side sealed fifth position on the standings with their tight win over the Waratahs in Sydney, and now turn their attention to the most successful team in the history of the compeition.
Director of Rugby Ewen McKenzie, who takes over as Wallabies coach next month, said that they are looking forward to the challenge of facing the seven-time champions.
"We now go and play the most experienced finals team of all-time right in their backyard. That's a challenge but we've had some success over the Crusaders during the past few years.
"We haven't played them this year so it's a really good challenge to see where we are at," he said.
In their first match since June 1, the Reds reversed a 12-8 halftime deficit to come away two point victors, their sole try of the evening coming to Ben Lucas in the opening half.
Flyhalf Quade Cooper produced the magic touch to put Lucas over in the left corner while the playmaker added an additional nine points with three successful penalty attempts at goal.
However, it was the Reds defence in the closing stages of the game which denied the Waratahs victory as the Queenslanders defended their tryline fiercely in the final minutes.
"We did a lot of tackling tonight and in the end that's what got us home," McKenzie said.
"We've had a period off so you have to start somewhere and tonight we got the win. That gives us some momentum going in," he added.
