Reds’ Harry Wilson with a point to prove in fierce derby brimming with ‘hatred’
Queensland No.8 Harry Wilson wants to prove a point to NSW rival Langi Gleeson in a Super Rugby Pacific season opener he says will be brimming with hatred.
Gleeson, who was included in last year's World Cup squad when Wilson missed out, will feel the wrath of the 24-year-old Reds powerhouse when the pair clash in the Suncorp Stadium cauldron on Saturday night.
"As a No.8 who wants to be playing for the Wallabies … he obviously leapfrogged me last year. That hurt," Wilson said.
"That definitely is always extra motivation when you see somebody in the same position on the other team. You want to go after them. I want to prove a point to him but for the benefit of the team.
"The moment you put on the maroon jersey and they put on the blue jersey there is hatred.
"It is our first game of the year in a new era of Queensland rugby.
"It all begins now under (coach) Les Kiss's leadership and we want to start well and get one up against the old foe."
Kiss has given his Reds permission to push their limits in a move he thinks will set Wilson free again.
The mercurial No.8 was a walk-up Wallabies pick in his first season of Super Rugby in 2020, playing 10 of 11 Tests before quickly falling out of favour under former coaches Dave Rennie and Eddie Jones.
He has managed just two Tests in the past three years, despite dominating for Queensland and winning two player-of-the-year gongs.
Kiss, who was replacing long-time coach Brad Thorn, could sense Wilson's frustration when he arrived at Ballymore last year.
"When I first met him I could see a driven young man who had impressed immensely through Super Rugby," Kiss said.
Wilson, part of the Barbarians' European tour during last year's World Cup, worked on his support play and decoy running at club level in an effort to add strings to his bow.
But, after confessing he had gone into his shell in recent seasons, it's Wilson's hard running, footwork and eye-watering offloads that Kiss has encouraged back into his game.
"I want all the players to be skilful and smart, make good decisions," Kiss said.
"Harry's got some remit to have a go. There are boundaries and that's not for me to tell him. He'll find out, and that's football, isn't it?"
Wilson said he was thriving under the Kiss ethos.
"It takes a bit of fear of failure away from you. He really wants us to express ourselves in the team shape. It is pretty exciting," he said.
The Reds will be without veteran playmaker James O'Connor (hamstring) for Saturday's opener in Brisbane, while Angus Blyth (back) is also in doubt.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, still just 19, is in line for a debut either off the bench or starting in the No.10.
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Of their 5 big matches in RWC Scotland and NZ were the easiest. They took a 12-3 lead against NZ and after the red decided it was best to hold the lead and take chances that came. None came and it was tight but they dug a lot deeper in the other two knock out matches. They had trounced NZ in Twickenham in a fixture that NZ must now regret. Psychology was clearly with SA in the final as a result.
Go to commentsMy favourite line/exchanges from Chasing the Sun 2. News headline: “SA. The last hurdle in ABs World Cup glory”. Something like that. “You’re all just a hurdle. A hop, skip and a jump”. Coming from Rassie and Jacque. Basically - nobody thinks you’re going to win. You’re just a pushover team. Nobody respects you. When the camera shows the players faces, you can see the effect. You can see the rev meters (die moer metertjies) firing up. Mitchell said he felt it prior to the 19 final. He said to Eddie watching the teams warming up that it was going to be a tough day at the office. Wave a red flag in front of South African, and you can expect a reaction. This is not unique - many teams rev themselves. And Bok teams in particular. With horrific consequences (discipline, poor thinking under pressure) because that’s the drawback to using emotion right? But what this Bok team does better than many since 2007 is channel the emotion and stay on task. Despite the emotion. Why, because while Rassie might play mind games - he talks about creating a safe environment. Listen to his recent honorary doctorate acceptance speech. While he uses psychology he creates psychological safety. He’s a damn fine coach. Can’t wait for Pretoria. It’s going to be a hummer.
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