But despite their recent challenges, McDermott is adamant the foundations have been laid for a top-four end-of-season berth and, with that, ambitions of a second Super Rugby title in the multi-nation format. In the coming weeks, the fourth-placed Reds will only face one side currently ahead of them in the standings (Brumbies), and will likely be favourites against the Fijian Drua (11th), the Hurricanes (eighth), the Blues (ninth), and the Waratahs (fifth). “The competition has got a long way to go, and we’re sitting pretty well at the moment. It’s not all a catastrophe for us,” McDermott said. “We’ve been really happy with how we’ve been playing. We’re nowhere near where we want to be, but we’re trending in the right direction.