Super Rugby
Bernie's blast not a motivator for Reds
Sam Bruce
March 13, 2015
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It was the insult that rubbed salt into raw Reds wounds, but Queensland skipper James Slipper insists Stephen Larkham's damning assessment of his side hasn't been used as motivation ahead of their return clash with the Brumbies in Brisbane.

The Reds were thumped 47-3 by the Brumbies in Canberra earlier this year, with Larkham later slamming the Queenslanders as "not up to the standard of Super Rugby". While Larkham's appraisal may have been a tad harsh at the time, the Reds have done little in their three matches since to suggest the comments didn't carry at least some merit.

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Speaking after the Reds' captain run on Friday, Slipper admitted the Wallaby great's stinging attack had hurt but said it hadn't been spoken about, or pinned on the dressing room wall, as they look to turn the tables.

"I think every player took that pretty personally," he said. "I wouldn't say it's a part of rugby but if you get insulted like that you've got to take it personally. It's directed at the players; it's disappointing in that fact.

"We haven't been using it as motivation, it's just his opinion and, to be honest, we weren't at our best that game. So, for us, it's just a matter of making sure we play our game this weekend and hopefully he'll have a different opinion of us after it."

Slipper is one Reds player guaranteed a World Cup spot, providing he stays injury free, but there are few others who can claim to be in the selection mix at this stage. Larkham's appointment to the Wallabies coaching panel means Reds players will again come under the Test spotlight after head coach Michael Cheika piloted the Waratahs to a 23-5 victory in Brisbane last week.

With so many players out through injury, under-pressure Reds coach Richard Graham as again had to shuffle his starting side. Slipper, too, is far from 100 per cent, yet the skipper is determined to help the Reds get back on track.

"I'm definitely pushing through injuries but in saying that I'd love to be out there with the boys," he said.

"It's what I want to do, it's my job to do; the neck's feeling pretty sore but I'm sure once you get over that white line on game night all those injuries seem to go out the window and you've got the job at hand to do. And that's something I'm confident on and I'm sure I'll get through (the game)."

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