The Queensland Reds are gearing up for a crucial clash against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Friday night, May 9, 2025, as they aim to secure their position for a home qualifying final in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific playoffs. With their playoff hopes on the line, the Reds find themselves in a do-or-die situation, needing to win to maintain their chances of finishing in the top three of the league standings.
Currently sitting fourth on the ladder, the Reds are six points behind the ACT Brumbies, who occupy third place. However, the Reds have played one less match, making this matchup against the Waratahs even more critical. Star Reds flanker Fraser McReight emphasized the importance of the game, stating, “Every week’s do-or-die, especially for our aspirations of making the top three and having a home final.”
McReight, who has been a standout performer for the Reds this season, noted the significance of playing high-stakes rugby so close to the playoffs. “It’s a privilege to be playing do-or-die footy four weeks out from finals,” he added. The Reds will be looking to bounce back after a narrow 36-33 defeat against the Fijian Drua in Suva last Saturday, a match that saw them lose in the dying moments.
The Waratahs, on the other hand, are desperate for a win after suffering a heavy 40-17 loss to the Brumbies in Canberra. Currently sitting ninth on the table, the Waratahs have won five and lost five, putting them three points outside the playoff spots. Despite their struggles, the Waratahs have been formidable at home, winning their last five matches at Allianz Stadium with an average winning margin of 8.4 points.
“It’s two sides really wanting the win,” McReight said, acknowledging the rivalry and the stakes involved in this matchup. “When they play at home, they grow another leg and add an extra foot to their height, so I feel they’re going to be right up for the challenge.”
Both teams have made significant changes to their lineups ahead of this important clash. The Waratahs welcome back Wallaby Tane Edmed at flyhalf and Dave Porecki, who returns from injury to bolster their forward pack. Coach Dan McKellar will be looking to leverage their home advantage to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Reds have also made adjustments, with coach Les Kiss naming a strong starting lineup that includes Wallabies Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, and Tom Lynagh. The team is still dealing with injury concerns, particularly with No. 8 Harry Wilson nursing a broken arm, but the return of Salakaia-Loto and Canham is expected to provide a significant boost.
As the teams prepare to take the field at Allianz Stadium, the excitement is palpable. The match is set to kick off at 7:35 PM AEST, and fans can catch all the action live on Stan Sport. With both teams eager to secure a victory, this clash promises to be an intense battle filled with passion and determination.
The Reds have historically performed well against the Waratahs, winning seven of their last eight meetings, including their last three encounters. Their most recent victory in Sydney was a nail-biting 27-26 win in 2024. This strong record gives the Reds confidence as they look to assert their dominance once again.
However, the Waratahs will be drawing on their home advantage, as they have not lost at Allianz Stadium in their last five outings. The stakes are high for both teams, with the Waratahs needing to win to keep their finals hopes alive and the Reds aiming to solidify their playoff position with a crucial victory.
As the match approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter between these two fierce rivals. With everything on the line, the atmosphere at Allianz Stadium is sure to be electric. Will the Reds continue their winning streak against the Waratahs, or will NSW rise to the occasion and secure a vital win? The answer will unfold as the match kicks off this evening.
