The Reds are expecting to face a Jaguares outfit riding high on confidence this weekend, as they view to turn their slow start around.
Queensland come into the match off a 44-14 loss to the Lions, while the Jaguares sit on top of their Africa 2 conference after four matches ahead of their first meeting with an Australian team.
Reds flanker George Smith said they were expecting to face a team with momentum on their side in their first Buenos Aires foray.
“The Jaguares played particularly well against the Cheetahs last weekend. Obviously they’ll gain some confidence there,” he said.
“Playing at home for them against us especially after the loss that we had, I’m sure the confidence will be quite high.
“For us it’s more about the best way that we prepare ourselves and put us in physically the best frame to play well against the Jaguares.”
Queensland will be without captain James Slipper for the rest of the season, after he ruptured his achilles, while Quade Cooper is facing a judiciary hearing on Tuesday, expected to be suspended for at least this weekend’s clash with the Jaguares.
Smith admitted it was a blow to lose the pair, who are key leadership figures in the team, but backed the rest of the team, now led by Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore, to step up,.
“It’s not great losing two experienced players and especially two leaders within our group but I think the best thing is going back to what you know but preparing as well as you can,” he said.
“Obviously there will be other people who step up into that leadership role and the sooner we do that the better.”
At 1-3 going into the Buenos Aires game, Smith said the Reds needed to focus on improving their discipline in Argentina.
“It’s not ideal we haven’t had a successful campaign thus far - Four games in, one win and three losses - but you can see the improvement within players and the way that we do train in preparation for matches,” he said.
“There have been a number of issues with our discipline within games.The quicker we rectify that, the better it’ll be for the squad.”
The Reds will take on the Jaguares on Sunday morning at 8am AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
