Traditional rivals take aim in competition opener

RUGBY UNION: A hate for the other state is set to make the opening Super W match between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs an absolute blockbuster to launch the competition.

Australia’s two biggest rugby states traditionally draw rival lines at the Tweed, and the new women’s XVs competition will be no different.

Waratahs forward Emily Robinson said her team’s loss to the Reds in the short-format Global Tens tournament last month hasn’t lingered with the team, but they are still desperate to get the early shot on their northern rivals tonight.

“It was a Tens tournament, not the Super W, not nationals, not XVs, it’s completely separate, we’ll move on to bigger and better things,” Robinson said.

“But 100%, I hate Queensland and I can’t wait to get up there and get stuck in.

“There’s definitely a bit of rivalry. We haven’t played them in XVs in a long time and it will be really interesting and a quality game of rugby.

“The fire is in the belly. You don’t go out there to be friends with the other team, it doesn’t matter who you’re playing, but especially when it’s Queensland, you’ve got to get one up for the state.”

The Reds host the Waratahs tonight at Suncorp Stadium before the Super Rugby match between Queensland and South Africa’s Bulls.

It could be the edge the home side needs.

Reds backrower Kirby Sefo said the support of the home crowd lifted the team during the Tens final and would give them extra incentive for the Super W opener.

“After the Tens and being able to play in front of friends and family and have that hype around that, I think that’s going to set us off on a good start,” she said.

“Just the fact that it’s home ground for us will mean a lot and will give the players some extra pride playing in front of the people we love.

“The rivalry between Queensland and NSW is always massive regardless of previous games.”