Slipper bleeds Red

 

The Reds season has been one to forget, they currently sit 12th on the log behind the Stormers and only a bonus point win against the all-conquering Waratahs could potentially change that.

 

The Queensland season has been one punctuated by lacklustre performances, this has led to many pundits accusing the players of being unmotivated or uncommitted to the Reds jersey.

 

This came to a head when the Reds went down 20-30 to the Force in Perth on the weekend, thanks in part to a very slow and ordinary start.

 

Wallaby and Reds prop, James Slipper, has spoken out in defense of his teams pride and willingness to play for the club.

 

"It was a disappointing weekend for the Reds, we flew to Perth with confidence for that game and unfortunately the results did not go our way," he said of the loss to the Force.

 

"The effort we are putting week in and week out it is definitely there, it's just a matter of coming away with that result."

 

Slipper then went on to give a first hand account of the fire and heart the Reds players are giving each time they take to the filed.

 

"I was out there on the field of battle, I knew what was going on out there," he continued.

 

"Our scrumhalf [Nick Frisby] played most of the second half with a broken jaw, numerous other players were split open, so to question our motivation and our effort and our willingness to play for the Reds jersey is pretty upsetting.

 

"I have heard some of the comments and it is very disappointing, it seems that everyone has a go at you when you are down – it is an Australian trend, but we are used to it.

 

"We are just looking forward to getting out there and giving back to our fans, that is our key motivation going forward.

 

"Every time you put on the Reds jersey we are pretty adamant that we are going to make it a good game, you put your heart and soul into it."

 

The Reds final game of the season is one of the most fieriest match-ups in Super Rugby, the rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales stretches back 130 years.

 

"We understand that they [the Waratahs] have had a really good year and they are deserve to be at the top of the table," Slipper said of his upcoming rivals.

 

"They have had a consistent year and are playing some really good rugby. 

 

"Taking nothing away from that, I just don't like seeing New South Wales winning anything! 

 

"Going into this weekend that is a major cue for us to make sure we bring our A-game and really front up."

 

Regardless of Slippers personal opinion of the Waratahs, he is still very aware of the dangers that the men from Sydney can bring.

 

"The Waratahs love getting forward momentum off their big blokes and obviously they have the class players in the [Kurtley] Beals and Israels [Folau] out in the backs," he continued.

 

"They can really put you to the sword if you don't stop them.

 

"We have just got to turn up. play our own game, enjoy the moment and get stuck in."