Wallaby great labels Reds’ clash with Highlanders as ‘a must-win’

Rugby World Cup-winning Wallaby Tim Horan has previewed a “tough” run of matches for the Queensland Reds starting with a “must-win” clash against the Highlanders on Friday.

The Queenslanders emerged as the form Australian side in Super Rugby Pacific after a series of statement victories over the Waratahs, Chiefs and Rebels during the opening four rounds.

While they were beaten in a golden point thriller against the still-undefeated Hurricanes in Melbourne, the Reds’ impressive 3-1 start had the rugby world reminiscing about 2011.

But those first four matches seem like a long time ago now. The Reds have since been beaten by the Western Force, Brumbies and a 17-14 defeat to Moana Pasifika marred by poor discipline.

The Reds sit sixth on the ladder and appear incredibly unlikely to slip out of a playoff spot this weekend, but they’ll be desperate to get their season back on track at Suncorp Stadium.

“We all spoke about the start that they had. It really gave a lot of rugby fans hope that the way the Reds were playing and also they were winning some matches,” Horan said on Stan Sports’ Rugby Heaven.

“You’ve got this block now against three New Zealand teams.

“You’ve got the Highlanders on Friday night which is a must-win for the Reds, then you host the Blues in ANZAC Round which is going to be special for Australian and New Zealand teams next weekend, and then the Crusaders.”

Co-captain Tate McDermott and Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight were both sent off during the loss to Moana Pasifika and have subsequently been handed lengthy suspensions.

Both men will miss upcoming matches against New Zealand opponents the Highlanders, the Blues and the Crusaders – but McReight can potentially return one week earlier.

The Reds will be desperate to snap their losing streak, and the same can be said for the Highlanders who haven’t won since their March 8 clash with the Waratahs in Sydney.

Playing at Melbourne’s AAMI Park, the Highlanders were no match for Carter Gordon’s Rebels who handed the Dunedin side their fourth loss on the bounce.

But still, this still shapes up as a danger game for both the Red and Highlanders.

“That block of three against Kiwi opposition will be tough,” Horan continued.

“Their forward pack’s got to stand up and you’ve got to have some depth coming into the back end of this season.”

The Queensland Reds host the Highlanders at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium at 7:35 pm AEST on Friday night. Queensland are inside the top eight while the 10th-placed Landers will be eager to improve on their 2-5 record to force their way back in.