13/05/2008 12:24

New Zealand - France-bound Wallaby halfback Sam Cordingley says he's desperate to play one final match for the Reds to help them against arch-rivals the Waratahs in the Super 14 clash at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Cordingley, 32, trained strongly today and believes he's a good chance to return from the calf muscle injury that has sidelined him for a large chunk of the season.

But whether he takes his place on the bench against the Waratahs, who are playing for a semi-final berth and possibly a home semi-final, will depend on how the leg pulls up tomorrow.

"It does mean a lot, having been involved in the Reds rugby for the better part of seven years," Cordingley told reporters today.

"This will be my last game. Last time I left to go overseas (in 2002), being 26 years of age, the opportunity was always open to come back but this is it.

"There's no more games for the Reds after this.

Grudge match

"This is the biggest game the Reds can play, against the Waratahs, and I'm desperate to be a part of that."

Cordingley rated himself a "better than 60% chance" of playing the grudge match against the Waratahs, who are coming off a tough tour of South Africa.

The Reds could use his experience in a squad missing fullback Chris Latham (shoulder) and winger Digby Ioane (suspension), who will be replaced by Brando Va'aulu.

Flanker Hugh McMeniman is a 50-50 chance of coming back from a fractured ankle.

"If the calf pulls up alright tomorrow, the likelihood is that I'll be involved and what a great way to go out," said Cordingley, who will play for French club Grenoble later this year.

"Given how I ran today, I'm pretty positive I'll be involved on the weekend.

"I'll be trying to tick every box. It's one of those fine lines.

"I get to play for the Reds again and if it means getting a little bit of time on the field then it's all worth it."

Fairytale ending

The Reds, with just three wins from 12 games this season, will be looking to finish their season on a high, unlike last year's humiliating final round when they suffered a record 92-3 loss to the Bulls.

Retiring flanker David Croft said beating the Waratahs would be a fairytale ending to a 116-match career for the Reds.

"I couldn't care what position the Waratahs are in, just beating them would be fantastic," the Reds warrior said.

"We are playing for pride and the Bob Templeton Cup and that's very important to me personally and a lot of guys in the side.

"The second best thing to going into a semi-final is beating the Waratahs."

Brumbies-bound hooker Stephen Moore will also play his last match for the Reds but his starting spot could go to Sean Hardman after a brain explosion arguably cost his side victory against the Crusaders last week.

Moore took a quick tap near the Crusaders' line at the death when most of his teammates were not set, overlooking rehearsed tap plays.

Reds coach Phil Mooney admitted there was a concern the emotion of the night could distract his players from the game plan.

"That can be a danger but I think we're pretty well bonded and focused on this week," he said. "We're focused on the Waratahs and nothing else."

Croft, relishing the challenge against Wallaby flanker Phil Waugh, said he'd be honoured to play alongside former Waratah and outside centre Morgan Turinui this weekend.

"He's up for the challenge and realises the importance of the game," Croft said.

"I'm very happy walking on the field with him in a Reds jersey on the weekend, very proud to play besides him."