Queensland are set to take on the record Blues, who have beaten their Super Rugby Pacific rivals off the field, scoring nearly 100 points in their last two matches against Australian teams.
The Blues sit second behind the Hurricanes heading into Round 10, but showed the third-placed Brumbies are the leader last Saturday, thrashing them 46-7.
This came on the back of a resounding 50-3 win over the Western Force.
The Reds host the Aucklanders at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening and will take some confidence from their 31-0 win over the Highlanders to move into sixth place on the ladder.
They have also previously faced the Blues well in Brisbane, with some historically impressive contests.
Co-captain Liam Wright said the Reds were aware of the challenge posed by the visitors, describing it as the biggest of the year heading into the finals.
“We realize how good of football they have been playing, they have been absolutely in control, especially over their last three games, so we have a big challenge ahead of us,” Wright said on Friday.
“They are very decisive in their ‘clean and carry’ approach and are physical across the board, and when they get momentum it is difficult to get it back.
“We have to be strong in our contact zone and be ready for anything they throw at us.
face to face
Last 5 meetings
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“The way they outperform teams and the results they produce…they are the perfect team to compete with.”
All five Australian teams face New Zealand as part of the new Anzac tour, and Reds coach Les Case said he hoped to make the clash with the Blues an annual fixture.
The Reds will wear a one-time khaki strip in honor of the 60 Reds who served in five wars over 125 years, 11 of whom never returned.
“It would be great to have a similar game against the Blues every year and create that tradition,” Case said.
“It gives it more depth, an understanding of something bigger than the game.
“It's going to be a special day, and the shirt, the boys love it.”
