Reds vice-captain Fraser McReight has branded Friday's Queensland-New South Wales clash as "do-or-die" for his side's top-three aspirations.
Les Kiss' men currently sit fourth on the SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific ladder and will remain in the hunt for a third place and an all-important home final - should they end the Waratahs five-game win streak at Allianz Stadium tomorrow night.
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"Every week’s do or die, especially for our aspirations of making the top three and having a home final," McReight told reporters at Brisbane Airport on Thursday.
"It’s a privilege to be playing do or die footy three, four weeks out from finals and … we’ve got some really tough teams coming up, first and foremost the Tahs who haven’t lost at home."
Queensland ran riot in a 35-15 victory back in Round Five at Suncorp Stadium but McReight is wary of the ninth-placed Waratahs and their Sydney record.
Dan McKellar's side have bested the Fijian Drua, Western Force, Moana Pasifika, Highlanders and Chiefs on home soil in 2025 and are just as desperate for victory with their own finals dream in the balance.
"They’re playing some really good footy at the moment, they came off a tough loss against the Brums and similar to us coming off a tough loss (to Fijian Drua) so it's two sides really wanting the win.
"You just look at that game against the Chiefs, played five mins after full-time and they had a lot of defensive moments where they stood up and ended up getting the win (21-14).
"Playing 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.
McReight made particular note of the threat posed by Wallabies teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who shone for New South Wales despite their 40-17 loss to ACT Brumbies.
"He’s been great. Look at their game on the weekend, think he ran for about 100+ metres and was everywhere," McReight said of Suaalii.
"He’s definitely one of their go-to guys … and our job is to do what we do well and try to nullify him as best we can."
