SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE
Reds (1-15):
Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Isaac Henry
Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Taj Annan.
Suliasi Vunivalu from the Queensland Reds’ has been left out of the Reds side to take on the Brumbies on Good Friday in Brisbane.
The 27-year-old, whose early season struggles continued against the Crusaders last Friday, has been left out of the Reds’ side with another Wallaby, Filipo Daugunu, returning to the side. I have to ask how did Eddie Jones pick Vunivalu in the Wallabie’s wider squad for the World Cup. He has been terrible since joining rugby union from league and for me would not get in a 2nd grade team.
James O’Connor has also been dropped to the bench, with Lawson Creighton given an opportunity at fly-half.
There are two other changes to coach, Brad Thorn’s side, with 22-year-old prop Phransis Sula-Siaosi starting for the first time alongside Peni Ravai and Matt Faessler in the front-row. Zane Nonggorr will come off the bench.
Lock Angus Blyth meanwhile returns to the starting side after making his comeback from injury against the Crusaders and forms a second-row combination alongside Seru Uru. The second-row pair re-signed with the Reds on Wednesday through until 2025.
Blyth’s return sees Ryan Smith drop to the bench.
Brumbies (1-15):
James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O’Donnell.
Coach ,Stephen Larkham has picked One-cap Wallaby hooker Billy Pollard returning for the first time this year after a couple of injuries, while alongside Test lock Darcy Swain returns after missing the past few weeks.
The match also sees Cadeyrn Neville bring up his 50th match for the Brumbies, with the veteran Wallaby previously playing for the Reds and Rebels in what has been a remarkable journey.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe.
PREDICTION.
It is always a difficult assignment to play the Reds in Queensland. The Brumbies have typically struggled in Brisbane and survived a late rally against the Reds in Canberra earlier this year, but the Reds forwards have not been great this year, and I like the Brumbies bench who will add some punch late in the game. I am picking the Brumbies by 6 points.
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