Rugby: Reds' confidence on rise ahead of Hurricanes match-up

Reds captain James Slipper senses their fortunes may have finally turned. Photo / Getty Images

Luck has completely deserted the Reds this season but captain James Slipper senses their fortunes may have finally turned.

Plagued by injuries and suspensions since the start of the year, fate was on Queensland's side for once in Sunday morning's nail-biting win over the Cheetahs in South Africa.

A missed penalty in the dying seconds from Joe Pietersen allowed the Reds to escape the match with an 18-17 victory, just their second in what has been a forgettable Super Rugby campaign.

Their next assignment is a daunting one - the top-of-the-table Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

A few weeks ago the mere thought of that prospect would have shaken the Reds to the core but the weekend's events have emboldened Slipper with new-found confidence and optimism.

"The way we ended the tour with a win was something that we needed and I think the boys are pretty excited to play in front of our fans," he said.

"In the past, especially this year, we went into hiding when we had a good lead.

"For us on the weekend we played the full 80 minutes and with that miskick at the end, I think the rugby gods were looking down on us finally and really helped us get over the line."

If the Reds need any additional motivation against the Hurricanes it will be all around them.

The Queensland Rugby Union is teaming up with the Australian Defence Force to commemorate this weekend's Anzac Round. The Reds will wear jerseys featuring the ADF's Rising Sun emblem, which will be auctioned following the game.

- AAP