Coolest heads will decide hot-weather clash

The Blues believe tonight's match is all about conquering themselves.

They are using that logic to crack a decade-long drought against the Reds in Brisbane and reverse the clumsy losing start they have made to the competition.

"We have to calm down," five-eighths Tasesa Lavea remarked.

It was time to refine the frenetic style which cost the Blues losses to the Hurricanes and Highlanders.

Coach David Nucifora wanted change and the team had to respond.

"We need a win and if that means grinding it out for 80 minutes so be it," added Lavea.

"We have to get ourselves into the game at setpiece. We have been trying to blitz teams 100-nil, we think we have got to score off every setpiece and phase rather than grafting it out."

The Blues were still buoyant despite their ragged start to the series and the prospect of meeting a Reds side which had always raised their game for the Blues or Waratahs.

Against the Crusaders last week the Reds showed enough sting through their backline and mobile loose forwards Mitchell Chapman and Hugh McMenamin to suggest an upset.

But they lost their way in the last quarter when fatigue set in from their defensive toll and captain Chris Latham left with a rib injury.

The Blues figure they can create similar pressure this week and while Latham has been cleared to play and will be an attacking danger for some time, they wonder if he will last this match.

They trust their longer buildup in Brisbane will help them cope with the time difference, the humidity and high temperatures which are all obstacles for touring sides in February.

Lavea accepted the Blues had lacked direction and attacking clout, he recognised his faults there but also spoke about the forwards increasing their impact. His combination with Rua Tipoki and Anthony Tuitavake had to improve after one match together while Troy Flavell's inclusion would bolster the leadership and experience in the pack.

League recruit Lavea will pit his direction against young Berrick Barnes, who has returned to rugby after a two-year league stint with the Broncos.

 

"I have got to read the game better, but I don't feel any extra pressure," said Lavea, who has the added responsibility of being the goalkicker.

Reds coach Jeff Miller summed up the meeting of the cellar-dwellers.

"Like us, the Blues have played some good football but they have not put teams away.

"These will be two desperate sides," he said.

The side which can play with an ice-cool temperament under the glare of expectation will collect a victory which has seemed like a mirage this season.

The high stakes should deliver a furious match, one which could be beyond the control of inexperienced South African Jerome Fortuin.

The Blues want to attack the Reds' scrum, they feel the locals may be a shade vulnerable there but wonder if that tactic is possible after the variable engagement rulings from referees.

Senior lock Ali Williams must knuckle down to his lineout work instead of squawking to officials, his calls need to be smarter to outwit the hosts.

Similarly, No 8 Nick Williams and halfback Steve Devine need to orchestrate the sort of variation and impetus which Sam Cordingley has given the Reds this season.

If the Blues can achieve momentum, then opensider Daniel Braid will be effective as a link player.

But if they are in reverse or moving laterally, Braid's strength will be reduced, the chance of three defeats and the worst start to a Super season for the Blues will increase.