Queensland Reds captain Tate McDermott is embracing the magnetite of Friday’s top-of-the-table clash with the Chiefs as they look to silence the Hamilton faithful.
The Reds and Chiefs have been the standout teams of Super Rugby Pacific in the first seven weeks, with only bonus points separating the two sides.
Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Les Kiss has recalled a host of Wallabies for the titanic match, including McDermott off the bench, whilst the Chiefs are refreshed following the bye.
“It's just an exciting challenge. I'm really looking forward to seeing what this team can put out in the park,” McDermott told reporters.
“It's been a couple of good weeks for us and we're building. The Chiefs have been playing some great footy, so who better to test ourselves when it’s one and two (on the ladder)?"
The Chiefs have built an imposing record at FMG Stadium Waikato, winning 19 of their last 21 games there.
This includes wins over the Reds in the 2023 and 2024 quarterfinals in Hamilton.
The Reds have been one of the more successful teams against the Chiefs in recent memory, with an even split of wins in their last six games.
But McDermott knows better than most the pressures that playing in Hamilton possess.
“The proximity of the fans, they’re on top of you. It's a smaller, kind of boutique-like stadium, but the atmosphere there is incredible. You hear the cowbells ringing,” he said, explaining what makes FMG Stadium different.
“Like any team, your home ground, that's where you play your best footy and they certainly do. So, we're going to have to be at the top of our game to compete and match up with them.
“…(2023) was a disappointing outing for us, and that's the reality. We went there full of confidence and found out just how good their home record is.
“It's a reminder to us that if we're a little bit off on the weekend, they're (Chiefs) the type of team that will tear you to shreds and that's what they did to us last time.”
