Reds Lock’s Spicy Debut Promise

Blyth’s Blue Switch: Waratahs Recruit Ready to Roar Against Former Reds Mates

Angus Blyth is gearing up for a fiery Super Rugby Pacific debut with the NSW Waratahs, and he’s not shying away from the prospect of facing his former Queensland Reds teammates. The towering lock, who spent eight seasons at Ballymore, is set to pull on the iconic blue jersey for the first time this Friday night when the Waratahs lock horns with the Reds in Sydney. Blyth has promised to give as good as he gets, even hinting at a fresh look for the occasion.

When pressed about whether a new hairstyle might accompany his Waratahs debut, potentially featuring the letters ‘TAHS’ shaved into his head – a nod to his previous ‘REDS’ tribute in the 2020 Super Rugby AU final against the Brumbies – Blyth offered a coy response. “We’ll have to see Friday night,” he teased, leaving fans to speculate about what might be on display.

This isn’t Blyth’s first encounter with his old side in his new colours. The Waratahs contingent, including Blyth, recently faced the Reds in a trial match, emerging victorious with a commanding 49-19 scoreline. However, Blyth acknowledges that the upcoming official clash will be a different beast entirely. “That was a bit of a taster… the real thing is Friday night,” he stated. “I’m sure there will be plenty of chat from them and I’ll be dishing out some chat as well. But we’re there to win the game, do a job.”

The pre-match banter, it seems, has already begun, with an unlikely source apparently leading the charge. Injured Reds halfback Tate McDermott, who has been replaced as captain by Fraser McReight this season, has reportedly been firing verbal shots from the sidelines. “I’m friends with all of them off the field. On the pitch it’s all hands on deck, we’re going for it,” Blyth explained. “Most of the chat I’ve been getting is from Tatey… sledging from the sidelines. I’m pretty sure I heard him from the crowd in that trial game.”

A Homecoming for Blyth

Born in New South Wales, Blyth’s rugby journey began south of the border in Kingscliff before a move to The Southport School opened the door to a chance with the Queensland Reds. His eight seasons at Ballymore saw him rack up four Test caps for the Wallabies, but his allegiance has now firmly shifted to his home state. He will now pack down in the Waratahs’ second row alongside fellow lock recruit and new skipper, Matt Philip.

Blyth articulated his sense of belonging, stating, “I support the Blues in State of Origin; being born here, you have that allegiance. Playing for Queensland, I see that as my job, over the last eight years and now my job here is in NSW, so playing for the Waratahs.” This move signifies a significant chapter in his career, returning to the state where his rugby journey first took root.

Familiar Faces and Renewed Ambitions

The Waratahs’ connection to the Reds extends beyond Blyth. Flyhalf Lawson Creighton and fellow second-rower Angus Scott-Young are also part of the Waratahs squad this season. Furthermore, the coaching staff boasts former Reds connections, with coach Dan McKellar having previously played for and coached the Reds, and current Reds coach Les Kiss having served as an assistant coach for the Waratahs. These interwoven histories add another layer of intrigue to the upcoming fixture.

Last season, the Waratahs showed flashes of brilliance, winning four of their opening five matches. However, a mid-season slump saw them lose seven of their final nine games, ultimately sliding from second on the ladder to eighth and missing out on finals contention. This late-season fade has undoubtedly fuelled the team’s determination to improve.

“We’ve put a lot of work in this off season; it’s a great feeling in camp and we’re keen, looking to rip in,” Blyth concluded, expressing the team’s collective eagerness to kick off the new season and build on their pre-season efforts. The Waratahs are clearly aiming to make a strong statement from the outset, and Blyth’s presence, coupled with his combative attitude, suggests they are ready to do just that. The clash against the Reds promises to be an intense affair, filled with both on-field action and off-field banter.