SATURDAY APRIL 27th, 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM BRISBANE
Reds
Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Tom Lynagh, Kalani Thomas; Harry Wilson, John Bryant, Liam Wright, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Alex Hodgman.
Reserves. Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Lawson Creighton, Floyd Aubrey
Blues
Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Mark Tele’a, Harry Plummer, Taufu Funaki; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu, Angus Ta’avao, Soane Vikena, Ofa Tu’ungasfasi.
Reserves. Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, James Thompson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Caleb Clarke
Referee. James Doleman, Assistant Referee’s. Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon,
Prediction
The Reds return home to conclude the weekend’s fixtures, facing a much tougher challenge against the Blues compared to last week’s shut-out victory over the Highlanders. While the Reds were not flawless in that win, Hunter Paisami’s outstanding performance, especially his physicality in midfield, remains significant. Nonetheless, for Queensland to unsettle the Blues, they must significantly elevate their performance in the central areas.
Coach Vern Cotter has instilled a ruthless demeanor in the Blues, enhancing their performance on both offense and defense, rendering them a more well-rounded team compared to previous seasons. While the Reds’ inclusion of two Kiwi props may provide some leverage, the responsibility lies with players like Angus Blyth, Harry Wilson, and Liam Wright to counteract the formidable physicality posed by Hoskins Sotutu and Dalton Papali’i. Nevertheless, there’s a sense that the Blues are on an upward trajectory, while the Reds are still a team in development.
About Highlanders vs Force
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