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GRITTY skipper James Horwill will battle through the shooting pain caused by a disc bulge in the neck to show the Reds how to fight for pride over the final six rounds of their failed season.
Having nine days between games leading into Sunday's afternoon showdown with the in-form Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium is the rest that Horwill needs for the longstanding issue to settle.
The Wallaby lock was one of the Reds' best when they were outgunned 44-14 by a superior Blues in Auckland last Friday night when he ripped off his trademark headgear, kept carting the ball forward and smashing into rucks when the margin was irretrievable.
The repair work needed is not just on his body but the Reds' whole psyche now the season is gone with the team flatlining in 13th spot with just three wins from 10 starts.
Patrick Tuipulotu outjumps Jake Schatz to claim a lineout ball. Source: Getty Images
"You have a lot to play for every time you run onto the field for the Reds. The boys all feel that way so that next win is plenty to play for," Horwill said.
Young flanker Liam Gill stepped up with the same vow as he sized up a backrow stoush against All Blacks great Richie McCaw, who made a superb comeback from a broken thumb in the 40-20 victory over the ACT Brumbies on Saturday.
"We have to work out what we are playing for. Pride is a big part of this Reds team and more than enough reason to keep putting in everything we have," Gill said.
"Playing Richie is always a big one to look forward to."
Liam Gill is tackled by Tom Donnelly as Keven Mealamu comes in to lend a hand in defence. Source: Getty Images
Horwill was forced off for the final seven minutes against the Blues when he copped a bang.
"I got a few shooting pains down the arm from the disc thing. There's no loss of power and it's something I've had to deal with from time to time," Horwill said.
"A few days off and it settles."
That the Reds forwards are taking things into their own hands because of the inability of the backs to pierce the line and create tries out wide is a clear trend of recent losses.
Five of the six tries scored in the losses to the Brumbies, Hurricanes and Blues have come close to the line from the pack-a rumbling run (Horwill), a tighthead pushover try (Ed Quirk), burrowing close-to-the-line surges (James Hanson and Ben Daley) and a strong mauling lineout drive (Beau Robinson).
Mike Harris is tackled by Jackson Willison as Ma'a Nonu looms up to try and pilfer the ball. Source: Getty Images
The Reds must count on being without top prop James Slipper, whose citing for a dangerous lifting tackle is still to be resolved by a SANZAR judicial officer.
Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper's indifferent form is reflective of the whole side. He was uncharacteristically hesitant when not flipping a pass to fullback Mike Harris when there was a space outside in the second half in Auckland.
"We're sticking together. No one is pointing fingers," Cooper said.
"We can't be focused on winning the three home games coming up. It's about winning the next one.
"We're not giving up. There are plenty of reasons and people to play for."
Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said the tightness of the competition meant winning away was imperative to make any mark. The Reds have won just one game from their six on the road this year which is just another area where their record has been eroded.
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