The Chiefs host the Reds in the third Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final in Hamilton.<\/p>\n
Queensland Reds\u2019 Les Kiss is confident his team can \u201cscare\u201d the Waikato Chiefs in their Super Rugby playoff in what could be his last game in charge before taking over as Wallabies coach.<\/p>\n
Kiss\u2019s three-year tenure will end on Saturday if they lose in Hamilton, and the odds are stacked against them.<\/p>\n
The Chiefs have won 10 of their last 13 against the Reds, including all three finals matches.<\/p>\n
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n They have also won 10 of their last 12 finals at FMG Stadium Waikato, including every playoff game against Australian sides.<\/p>\n But Kiss, who is without the injured Hunter Paisami and Seru Uru, is upbeat about making the semi-finals.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we can scare them, that\u2019s for sure,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThese boys are hungry for a win and want to take another step forward. That\u2019s the mission. We\u2019ve got to stand up and then let\u2019s see.\u201d<\/p>\n Kiss will take over from Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt after the July Nations Championship matches against Ireland, France and Italy.<\/p>\n His first games in charge will be when Australia meet Japan in a two-Test series in early August.<\/p>\n He insisted his focus was still entirely on the Reds and the prospect of this week being his last match was not something on his mind.<\/p>\n \u201cThis team, they just keep you focused on the now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n