APIA PARK,SAMOA
Moana Pasifika:
William Havili, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai, Lincoln McClutchie, Ereatara Enari, Solomone Funaki (c), Niko Jones, Miracle Faiilagi, Mike McKee, Michael Curry, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Samiuela Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth. Reserves: Luteru Tolai, Abraham Pole, Suetena Asomua, Potu Leavasa, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Manu Paea, D’Angelo Leuila, Fine Inisi.
Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger has called in Niko Jones for the first time this season as his team take on the Reds in Friday’s historic game. Mauger has selected the son of All Blacks legend, Sir Michael Jones, to play at openside flanker.
Fourteen players have represented Samoa. Also in the Moana Pasifika team is prop Isi Tu’ungafasi, who’ll be starting his first game this year, while Mike McKee replaces Sam Slade in the second row and lock the scrum with regular starter Michael Curry. With the conditions to be hot and humid in the islands this would be a tough assignment for any team.
Reds coach, Brad Thorn has made seven changes to his side following the demolition last week by the Brumbies.
Jake Upfield will make his Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific starting debut at blindside flanker, with skipper Liam Wright ruled out with a hand injury, while James O’Connor will run on at inside centre in place of Isaac Henry who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Suliasi Vunivalu returns to the starting side on the wing, as do props Sef Fa’agase and Zane Nonggorr, with Jordan Petaia celebrating his 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap.
Connor Vest and Ryan Smith make for a new-look lock combination as the Reds look to snap a three-game losing streak on Friday afternoon.
Matt Faessler will start at hooker alongside Fa’agase and Nonggorr, with Fa’agase making his return from suspension.
Angus Blyth’s three-game ban and a concussion to Seru Uru provides Vest and Smith the chance to start, while Gold Coast product Upfield will combine with Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight in the backrow.
Lawson Creighton combines with skipper Tate McDermott in the halves, with Josh Flook set to partner O’Connor in the centres.
Vunivalu returns on the wing in place of Filipo Daugunu, with Jock Campbell and Petaia starting at fullback and wing respectively.
After recovering from concussion, Tom Lynagh returns on the bench with lock Lopeti Faifua and outside back Mac Grealy also recalled.
REDS (15-1):
Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, Lawson Creighton, Tate McDermott (c), Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Jake Upfield, Ryan Smith, Connor Vest, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Sef Fa’agase
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Lopeti Faifua, Connor Anderson, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
PREDICTION
I think the Pasifika side can win their first game this season, but they must not give easy points to the Reds through silly penalties. The hot conditions and the home fans might just get them home. Apia will be rocking. Watch for some big defence hits. The Reds have looked ordinary this year and another loss will almost certainly see the end of coach Brad Thorn. That is a shame as Thorn is a good bloke and was a hell of a player in Rugby League and Rugby Union. Unfortunately sometimes players are tired of the same voices and systems and the coach gets blamed. Personally I blame the players for their lack of effort, and seldom dig in when required.
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