McDermott demands more of Reds' defence as Brumbies blockbuster looms

Reds co-captain Tate McDermott says Queensland's pride is on the line when they take to the field in Saturday's All-Australian derby.

The Wallabies halfback was bitterly disappointed in his side's defence in a 40-31 loss to the Western Force and says they'll need to "dig in" to stop a Brumbies stampede at Suncorp on Saturday.

Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now!

"We've got to keep improving and that's what we've done this week. We were a little bit off on the weekend (against Force) but we don't need to change stuff because what we're doing is working, we've just got to keep getting better," McDermott told media on Friday.

"It's something we pride ourselves on, that defence, and we're pretty disappointed with how we defended on the weekend.

"You know - 40 points - the Force were good but 40 points is just too much … so the boys are going to have to dig in even harder."

McDermott noted the attacking threats of Tom Wright and Wallabies bolter Corey Toole out wide with the Brumbies sitting second for points per attacking 22m entry and third for tries scored. However, the Brumbies are set to bring their typical grit in close quarters with eight Wallabies forwards named in Steven Larkham's matchday squad.

"It's going to be an entertaining match up hopefully. We know the Brumbies are trying to evolve their game and they've show particularly over the (last) weekend they're capable of scoring tries from anywhere," he said.

"But what they've always had is a dominant forward pack - a well-drilled, well coached forward pack - so we're still expecting a physical battle up front."

Check out rugby.com.au's full Super Rugby Pacific Round 6 Preview here.