In-form Queensland Reds winger Lachie Anderson has found it easy to transfer his feelings about facing the NSW Waratahs into tonight’s blockbuster clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Playing the Waratahs was the biggest local derby when he was with the Melbourne Rebels and it remains so now he is wearing maroon and calling Ballymore home.
It was Anderson who scored the Rebels’ opening try last year when they upset the Waratahs 27-21 in Sydney.
Anderson, 27, is loving life at his new club and his smooth execution was evident to all in Christchurch last weekend.
He not only kicked expertly to the left-hand corner and forced a 5m lineout against the Crusaders. He was on the end of the ensuing backline move to score a try.
He bobbed up on both sides of the field to complete those plays.
“The style of rugby the Reds are playing is fast, exciting and really enjoyable. It's a no-number-on-your-back mentality with plenty of ball in hand,” Anderson said.
“I think something that is maybe less seen is that we have an ability to change gears and play different ways.
“There is a killer instinct and I think that's part of our focus on this ‘Tahs game. We have to execute better.
“It was obviously a disappointing loss in Christchurch. We have worked on being more clinical as we need to be against a very good ‘Tahs team."
The strong-running Anderson has shown his ability to step up. In November last year, Anderson scored the two tries for the Australia XV in their 10-all draw with the Bristol Bears.
While Anderson got his Super Rugby break with the Rebels after becoming an Olympian with Australia’s rugby sevens team, he was raised in Sydney.
“Queensland v NSW games were always huge games to watch growing up in Sydney. When I played at the Rebels, our biggest derby was against the Waratahs so nothing really changes with that now I'm at the Reds,” Anderson said.
“I’ve played a lot of games with (Waratahs fullback) Andrew Kellaway (at the Rebels). It'll be full-on on the field for 80 minutes, a huge battle, but we'll catch up after the game.
“They've got depth in their back three with Max Jorgensen in good form as well.
“Their team is littered with Test stars but we've really been looking at us this week and getting our game right.
“It'd be nice to be the first team that gets one over them this season with the fans behind us at Suncorp Stadium.”
