McKenzie wants end to losing streak
FORMER NRL star Clinton Schifcofske was handling the goal-kicking duties the last time the Reds beat the Wellington Hurricanes in 2007.
Schifcofske, who played 10 games for Queensland before heading to Ireland, has long gone, but the win-less streak remains and Queensland Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie would love to end it when the two sides meet in round three of the Super Rugby competition at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
McKenzie said it was a great opportunity for his players to make amends against one of Queensland's historic bogey sides.
"For us, we've worked hard over the past few seasons in overcoming numerous hoodoos and creating a history of our own, so Friday night represents another opportunity for this group to step up and do what no Reds team has done since 2007," he said.
McKenzie has made two changes to the team that beat the Waratahs 25-17 at the same venue last Saturday.
Aidan Toua returns to the starting XV at full-back after being rested against NSW, while backrower Radike Samo comes onto the bench to replace the injured Jarrad Butler.
McKenzie said the Reds were targeting a more complete performance against the Hurricanes.
"We are a team that prides itself on being adaptable and capable of changing our gameplan on a week-to-week basis and that is reflected in our team selections," McKenzie said.
"We have strong thoughts about how the game is going to be played and feel that Aidan really has something to offer in this match from fullback. We took a pre-emptive approach to his hamstring last week in resting him for the Waratahs and you can already sense the benefit it has had to his preparation for this game."
McKenzie also said he was happy with the centres combination of Ben Tapuai and Chris Feauai-Sautia against the Tahs, adding he was expecting more of the same against the Hurricanes."
