McKenzie: I saw Friend's demise coming

QUEENSLAND REDS coach Ewen McKenzie reckons he knew his Brumbies counterpart Andy Friend was going to be sacked earlier this week.

He became worried after reading media reports about internal grumbling within the team early in the season.

“I don't know the background but the fact that it was in the paper so early wasn't a good sign,” said McKenzie.

“But I think we have all been a bit surprised that it has happened.”

Despite the situation with Friend being an unneeded distraction for the Brumbies ahead of their must-win clash against McKenzie’s team on Saturday night, he was predicting the Canberra-based side would come out firing.

“When team dynamics change like that there can be a sudden burst of enthusiasm – we know they will be galvanised as a group.

“They were going to be tough anyway – it hasn't made it easier,” he said.