Les Kiss believes the Reds can rattle the Chiefs and keep his Queensland farewell alive when they clash in Saturday’s Super Rugby playoff in Hamilton.
The Reds coach could be taking charge of his final match after accepting the Wallabies job, with his three-year stint set to end if the Reds’ season comes to an end in New Zealand.
History is firmly against the visitors.
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The Chiefs have won 10 of their last 13 meetings with the Reds, including all three finals clashes between the sides. They have also dominated Australian opposition in playoff matches in Waikato.
But Kiss insists his side is travelling across the Tasman believing they can spring a surprise.
“I think we can scare them, that’s for sure,” he said.
“These boys are hungry for a win and want to take another step forward. That’s the mission. We’ve got to stand up and then let’s see.”
The Reds will be without injured duo Hunter Paisami and Seru Uru, while the Chiefs welcome back seven All Blacks, including playmaker Damian McKenzie and captain Luke Jacobson.
McKenzie said the top-seeded Chiefs are embracing the challenge of knockout rugby.
“At the start of the year you want to get to this end of the season and be in contention and we’ve put ourselves in contention and now it’s about focusing on what’s in front of us,” he said.
“The boys are really excited to rip in this weekend.”
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Kiss will succeed Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach following the July Nations Championship fixtures against Ireland, France and Italy.
However, the outgoing Reds boss insists all his attention remains on extending Queensland’s season.
“This team, they just keep you focused on the now,” he said.
– AFP
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The post Kiss eyes giant Chiefs upset appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Les Kiss believes the Reds can rattle the Chiefs and keep his Queensland farewell alive when they clash in Saturday’s Super Rugby playoff in Hamilton.
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