Reds can be competitive - Thorn
– Reds coach Brad Thorn insists his men can be competitive against New Zealand’s heavyweight sides, despite bookmakers all-but writing off the chances of Australian teams when the new Super Rugby Trans Tasman tournament kicks off today.
The James O’Connor-led Reds enjoyed an incredible domestic Super Rugby AU season, losing just one from eight before a thrilling 19-16 come-from-behind win against the Brumbies in last weekend’s final.
But they must step up to another level in the 10-team tournament, which pits Australian and New Zealand clubs against each other for the first time since the pandemic saw the demise of old Super Rugby which also featured teams from South Africa, Argentina and Japan.
Five teams from Australia and five from New Zealand will play each other over five weekends before a final on June 19, after a quarantine-free travel corridor was opened between the two nations last month.
Whether the competition can get to the decider remains to be seen, with any new outbreaks of Covid-19 in Australia or New Zealand having the potential to disrupt the event.
The mighty Crusaders, who secured a fifth Super Rugby crown in a row when they beat Chiefs 2413 to win their domestic title last weekend, are hot favourites and begin at home in Christchurch tomorrow against the Brumbies.
Codie Taylor will captain the side in his 100th game, with regular skipper Scott Barrett on the bench.
The Australian champion Reds are longer odds to win the tournament with bookmakers than any of their New Zealand sides, but coach Thorn says his side will be up for the battle.
“Styles make fights, they say in boxing, and ours goes well with theirs,” Thorn said before the Reds’ opener against the Highlanders in Dunedin today.
“Learning how to win has been great but we’ve always been competitive with the New Zealand styles.
“We know we won’t be highly rated in New Zealand, but that’s our bread and butter.”
The Waratahs host Australia’s first match against the Hurricanes in Sydney today.