It was an elated Queensland Reds outfit that arrived home overnight having won two of three games in South Africa.

After several seasons of Super 14 disappointment, the team is now one step closer to a top four finish.

Steve Fox reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Reds captain Will Genia welcomed a media scrum at Ballymore, this time they were there to report good news after the Reds ended a seven game losing streak in South Africa.

The Reds are enjoying their best season start in over a decade, but their biggest challenge is just days away against the Bulls.

Will Genia, Reds Captain: “It’ll be a massive test for us, particularly as a young group having played some good rugby so far but its a challenge we’re looking forward to.”

This Saturday, Genia will duel it out with the world’s best number nine player, Fourie du Preez, who will be a key to the Bull’s chances of victory.

Will Genia, Reds Captain: “It’s hard to single out one bloke to halt their game since they have so many good players.”

The Reds found some of their best form against the Lions to secure victory 42-26 concluding their Africa tour on a high.

But the players were always confident after a great start.

Will Genia, Reds Captain: “I suppose after four trys and I think the first twenty minutes, maybe but we knew they were a side that could score a lot of points as you saw when they played the chiefs, so we wanted to keep our heads on and keep playing footy right to the end.”

While the Reds have shot up to fifth on the ladder.

The Broncos continue their slide after four straight losses.

But they’ll welcome back Israel Folau, from a broken finger, winger Antonio Winterstein and Ben Te’o for Sunday’s clash with the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.

Assistant coach Allan Langer another welcome sight back at Red Hill.

Steve Fox, QUT News