The Queensland Reds are in full training after their Christmas break, and the surprise packet of last year's Investec Super Rugby season is making sure that their intensity is at a high level with the expanded season less than a month and a half away.
They will play the Crusaders in Northern Queensland in Cairns on January 29 to kick off their pre-season matches. They will stay in the upper most region of their state and travel to Darwin to play the Brumbies on February 5.
Both centres have been in the grip of high temperatures, with the mercury expected to hover around 30 degrees for both games.
Coach Ewen McKenzie, speaking to Queensland Rugby's official site at qru.com.au, said that training would be a crucial first stage in the 2011 season.
“As coaches we demand a high level of intensity and execution in every aspect of our training and so far the squad has obliged,” McKenzie said.
“There is a really strong vibe and I’ve been impressed with their energy levels and their effort. However we understand there is a lot we need to get right before the season starts.
“It’s a new year and we can’t rely on last year. The good history won’t count for much and we need to reinvent ourselves and make sure we are ultra competitive from day one.”
All of the Reds Wallabies are back in training, with the exception of Will Genia, who will return on Monday.
Quade Cooper has been running the plays, while injured Wallabies Digby Ioane and regular captain James Horwill have been running freely.
The Reds have a limited warm-up schedule, as compared to some Super Rugby teams that are playing three or four matches, so McKenzie has stressed that it is important his squad hits their straps immediately.
“We only have two formal trial games so training performance is going to count,” he said.
“The countdown is on for our trial in Cairns. We know the people up north are excited and we’re expecting a big crowd. It’s a great way to kick off the year, going against one of the competition favourites first up.”
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