Beware of the wounded Queenslanders. That's the message at ACT Brumbies headquarters this week as they brace for a fiery clash against the Queensland Reds on Saturday night.
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Brumbies duo Chris Alcock and Andrew Smith warned the players to avoid underestimating the Reds despite their run of five consecutive losses.
Alcock is preparing for his first battle against one of his idols, George Smith, while former Brumbies skipper Stephen Moore is returning to the capital after leaving the club last year.
The Reds were expected to be one of Australian rugby's strongest teams this year but have so far struggled to fire despite boasting an impressive roster.
"The Reds have been in all of their games and they've had their opportunities," Smith said.
"You look at their roster from 1-15 and they've got a lot of good attacking players, we're going to have to be on to beat them.
"It's a really big game for us this weekend. They've got a very talented team and class across the park. They've been attacking so they're very dangerous at the moment."
The Reds are still without key playmaker Quade Cooper, who is serving a three-match suspension for a high tackle.
But Moore and George Smith have inside knowledge of the Brumbies and will be determined to chase victory at their former home ground.
Moore led the Brumbies in the past two seasons and was one of the club's most consistent performers.
Smith is arguable the greatest player in Brumbies history, winning two Super Rugby titles and playing 142 games for the Canberra franchise.
The champion openside flanker is regarded as an Australian rugby great, and Alcock has the challenge of filling his former Brumbies' No. 7 jersey.
"You watch [Smith's] games and he still has great involvement all of hte time," Alcock said.
"He does change the game. I'm going to do my best to see how I go against him. George just adapts to whatever role they need him to play.
"I just focus on what I need to do and what the coaches tell me. I try not to think about who wore the [No. 7] jersey before me. Whenever I wear it, I want to wear it with pride and show I deserve to be in it."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND SEVEN
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm. Tickets available for $20 if purchased before 6pm. Curtain-raiser: Brumbies legends v Reds Barbarians at 6pm.
