Reds kicking game 'a threat': Coach

The Queens­land Reds kicking game will be a threat to the Fi­jian Drua in Saturday's Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Speaking to SUNsports yester­day Drua head coach Glen Jack­son said this is a specific on-field area to address.

He said the main focus this week was containing the Reds kicking game, which he expects to feature heavily.

"They average around 40 kicks a game," he said.

"The big thing for us is not get­ting bored with the kicking bat­tle and understanding how im­portant our backfield coverage is.

"They also play a lot of rugby. They're a fantastic team and very well coached, especially with Les Kiss set to become the Wallabies head coach."

Jackson said it is important for the Drua to have the ball and look after it well.

The 50-year-old said wet condi­tions in the West could again turn the match into a breakdown contest.

"It could become another game decided at the breakdown, which most matches are. They're (Reds) a very high-tackling team and strong over the ball, trying to keep us upright. We've got to carry cleanly and look after pos­session."

While the Drua will take con­fidence from their recent wins, Jackson said they must quickly shift focus as the pressure re­mains on the points table.

Jackson highlighted that the Reds are coming with a mission to end their losing streak in Fiji.

The Reds have named Filipo Daugunu and Seru Uru in their starting line-up with veteran Ben Volavola on the reserve bench.

"There are a lot of Fijian boys who will be coming over. They (Reds) were probably a little un­lucky not to steal it at the death last year. It's important that our boys stay level-headed and keep their feet on the ground- and they have done that already."

Jackson said the team had a tough training session on Tues­day and the players were a little sore.