Matt Burke accomplished nearly everything one could imagine in the realm of rugby.
At the pinnacle of his extraordinary career was his flawless kicking performance, landing all nine attempts at goal for a total of 25 points, leading the Wallabies to a commanding victory over France in the 1999 Rugby World Cup final.
However…
Matt Burke, Ben Tune and Owen Finegan of Australia. Getty
“I never managed to secure a win against Queensland, and that’s something that truly haunts me,” reflected NSW legend Burke during a recent chat with Stan Sport.
This astonishing fact demonstrates just how fiercely contested Australia’s greatest rugby rivalry has been in the 21st century.
Since the Bob Templeton Cup was established in 2000, the Reds and Waratahs have each claimed the title 20 times.
This Saturday night, they’re set to square off again in Brisbane, with implications that could extend to the Wallabies.
Reds coach Les Kiss is seen as a frontrunner to replace Joe Schmidt in the Test team, while Waratahs coach Dan McKellar is also in contention and remains undefeated this season.
Injured Queensland star Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has already stirred the pot by expressing his desire to “deck” NSW’s defector Taniela Tupou “off the ball” at Suncorp Stadium.
NEW PODCAST! The team discusses the implications of Nick Phipps’ contentious remarks regarding the classic north vs south debate.
Burke also reminisced about some of the notorious state-versus-state incidents of the past on Stan Sport, including Damian Smith’s infamous rampage in 1996.
Queensland’s winger, Smith, attempted to take David Campese’s head off with a swinging arm after Campese mishandled a high ball and then charged at the NSW superstar as he lay on the ground.
“Had he connected, Campo’s head would have been stamped into the turf,” Burke observed on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
Damian Smith attacks David Campese. Stan
“Smithy actually glanced at the referee and thought, ‘Here’s my chance,’ and took his shot. It was a classic ‘turn the cheek’ move, and luckily he missed Campo and punched the ground instead,” Burke recalled.
But Smith wasn’t done inflicting chaos on his Wallabies teammates.
After being shown a yellow card for his assault on Campese, he was eventually sent off for another reckless high tackle on Burke.
Damian Smith attacks David Campese. Stan
“He knocked my head off, which earned him a red card,” Burke explained.
“Damian Smith was an enormous man, standing about 6’3”, weighing around 105 to 108kg, and he was incredibly strong.
“He didn’t quite grasp just how strong he was… but he certainly was an angry man.”
Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs
SAT, March 15: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Kick-off at 7:35pm AEDT)
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
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