Rugby: Favouritism irrelevant in derby say NSW

Sitaleki Timani trains ahead of the Waratahs' clash with the Reds. Photo / Getty Images

NSW Waratahs coach Chris Hickey says he's puzzled as to why Queensland are so keen on claiming the underdog tag in Saturday night's Super Rugby grudge match at ANZ Stadium.

While the Waratahs have talked the Reds up as "self-proclaimed entertainers" this week, Ewen McKenzie's side have been equally eager to under-value their assets.

Halfback Will Genia was quick to declare it wasn't Queensland's job to entertain, and played down the successful, free-flowing style the team pioneered in last year's Super Rugby competition.

Hickey said talk of favouritism was irrelevant when it comes to the fiercely contested derby clash.

"Everyone seems to want to grab the underdog status don't they. I don't know why," said Hickey.

"They had a very successful season last year and I think who is the underdog and who is the favourite is really for the supporters and the media.

"There's two good teams out there on Saturday night, I think it'll be a strong contest and those interstate rivalries always seems to bring out the best in both teams.

"You know there's going to be nothing else but 100 per cent commitment from both sides and that'll be a big physical challenge.

"They've got a big forward pack and that'll go a long way to deciding the result of the game."

Hickey has a 100 per cent record as Waratahs coach against the Reds, but said that isn't a fact he's given any thought to this week.

The NSW mentor argued last week's rout of the Melbourne Rebels was a tougher challenge than it appeared and said he expected Queensland to come out all guns blazing.

"On the back of that is how they performed well last year so I certainly think they'll bring that attacking game to the stadium," he said.

"We're fully aware the Queensland side is a much more experienced side (than the Rebels) and they'll be a bigger challenge this week for us."

Waratahs: Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner, Rob Horne , Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Ben Mowen, Phil Waugh (captain), Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Benn Robinson, Sitaleki Timani, Chris Alcock, Brendan McKibbin, Daniel Halangahu, Ryan Cross.

Reds: Peter Hynes, Rod Davies, Will Chambers, Anthony Faingaa, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Ed Quirk, James Horwill (captain), Van Humphries, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Reserves: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Leroy Houston, Beau Robinson, Ben Lucas, Mike Harris, Aidan Toua.



- AAP