Reds ready to redeem themselves in Argentina

Sat, Mar 25, 2017, 3:55 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Queensland Reds head coach Nick Stiles has rung in the changes, opting for youth for the historic match against Los Jaguares in Buenos Aires. It's the first time the Argentinian outfit will take on Australian opposition in Super Rugby.

New Queensland Reds skipper Stephen Moore says the Reds have thrived in the unique surrounds of Buenos Aires.

Moore will lead a new-look Reds team out in his first game as skipper, with George Smith and Rob Simmons being rested, James Slipper injured and Quade Cooper suspended.

That's almost 440 Super Rugby caps out the window for the Jaguares clash but Moore is relishing the challenge of leading the inexperienced side into the furnace in Slipper's absence.

"This will give some other players an opportunity to step up around that leadership space and contribute," Moore said at the team's captain's run.

"That's part of the direction we want to take this team in - we want to have that shared leadership structure and everyone contributing to how the team operates.Scott Higginbotham and the Reds are big underdogs against the Jaguares. Photo: QRU Media"Ultimately, if we can do that, we will be a better team for it."

The Reds are nearing must-win territory after and they are massive underdogs to beat a Jaguares team fresh off a 41-14 win over the Cheetahs.

Their brand of rugby is best described as unstructured, opting to freestyle off any ball they get their hands on.

They haven't beaten title contenders but they have started to establish their home ground as a fortress - the first step on the path to sustained Super Rugby success.Izack Rodda is back in the starting XV in place of Rob Simmons. Photo: QRU Media"I think it's the first time an Australian team has played the Jaguares so it's a big opportunity for us," Moore said.

"It's unique, it's a great place to play rugby, we saw the soccer here last night, Argentina against Chile and it was amazing atmosphere, the whole city came to life.

"And I think that's something unique about playing rugby in Argentina.

"When you have a couple of losses early in the season you need to make sure that you stay in touch with the competition and this game is really important in that context.

"It's a really important game for us - we need to front up tomorrow and play in a way that our fans can be proud of."

The Reds take on the Jaguares tomorrow morning in Buenos Aires, kicking off at 8:40AM AEDT, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

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