FORCE vs REDS, Sunday 4.30pm AEDT
Force coach Simon Cron has decided to make changes to a winning lineup, including the promotion of comeback king Jeremy Thrush into the starting lineup.
The 37-year-old lock was coaxed out of retirement following Izack Rodda’s injury and scored the match-winning try off the bench last weekend.
Cron’s side is also boosted with the inclusions of hooker Folau Fainga’a and winger Manasa Mataele after both were late scratchings in round one.
Fainga’a, Tom Robertson and Santiago Medrano will be targeting a Reds scrum that was outmuscled by the Hurricanes.
Another notable change is the promotion of sparkplug halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, who had a huge impact off the bench against the Rebels.
Meanwhile, the Reds have been boosted by the return of some serious strike power with four Wallabies coming into their matchday 23.
Co-captain Liam Wright will start at blindside flanker after recovering from concussion while a hand injury to Isaac Henry opens up a spot for Suliasi Vunivalu on the right wing.
And on the bench, James O’Connor and Jock Campbell are set to provide valuable direction as teenager Tom Lynagh gets another start at No.10.
“They’re all experienced players who will bring a lot to our team,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said.
“The Force kicked off their season with a good win last week, they’ll be a tough contest as always.”
FORCE (15-1): Chase Tiatia, Manasa Mataele, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Zach Kibirige, Bryce Hegarty, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Michael Wells (c), Ollie Callan, Tim Anstee, Jeremy Thrush, Jeremy Williams, Santiago Medrano, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Robertson
Reserves: Tom Horton, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Jackson Pugh, Ian Prior, George Poolman, Jake Strachan
REDS (15-1): Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright (co-c), Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Dane Zander
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Peni Ravai, Jake Upfield, Connor Anderson, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Jock Campbell
Referee: Paul Williams
The Reds should win, but only by a couple of points ,so if betting check what points are on offer.
In the NRL last night, for example, I backed the Newcastle Knights with a 10.5 points start against the Warriors. The Knights lost by 8 points, so I win. I also backed the Warriors to win, so double win.
What I am saying is you do not always need to pick the winner. Check the points on offer for the opposition.
Read this too !!
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