Reds all business ahead of Tokyo trip

It’ll be all business for Queensland in Tokyo this week after Reds prop JP Smith admitted his side were caught in the moment last year.

The winless Reds have assumed rare underdog status against the Sunwolves, who have turned heads this Super Rugby season.

Thrashed 63-28 on their last visit, Smith has promised no repeat as they aim to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing loss to the Waratahs at the SCG.

“This is not a trip to go sightseeing this is real for us, not a holiday,” he said before the team flew on Tuesday.

“I think their minds started to drift away from what our jobs were (last year).

“It’s something we need to prove to ourselves … we’ve been really hard towards each other … can’t wait to get into the week.”

Their task could be made tougher with a battered and bruised Bryce Hegarty in doubt for the clash.

The Waratahs recruit hurt his ribs against the Crusaders a fortnight ago and played through the pain against his former club on Saturday night at the SCG.

Whether he backs up for the Japan leg remains to be seen though, with Hamish Stewart – dropped to the bench last weekend – the likely man to return to the No.10 if Hegarty is sidelined.

Smith said there was still plenty of confidence despite three straight losses to open the season.

“It just comes down to execution,” he said.

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“There’s no way we can take this team lightly, and we’re definitely not.”

The Reds take on the Sunwolves on Saturday March 16, kicking off at 3:15pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.