Backrower Harry Wilson instantly put himself on the radar of new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones with a two-try start to 2023 in Perth on Saturday.
No.8 Wilson scored a double and threw the last pass for lock Ryan Smith’s try as the Queensland Reds dominated the Western Force 45-10 in their pre-season trial.
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The trial got underway in oppressive 37-degree heat at UWA Sports Park where both sides utilised unlimited interchange so as many players as possible could find their match legs in the lead-up to Super Rugby Pacific.
There were plenty of encouraging performances from the Reds and a good showing from neat-stepping English centre recruit Sam Spink.
As ever, the pre-season throws up fresh names. For the Reds it was 18-year-old Harry McLaughlin-Phillips with his two tries.
The teenager is a flyhalf on the rise but was given his first taste of action in a Reds jersey on the wing. Late in the game, he dived to deflect a Force clearing kick back into the field of play. He got to his feet quickly, backed up the opportunity and dashed 50m for a try.
He made it a double when Wallaby centre Hunter Paisami threw him a long pass for a gift try.
Jordan Petaia relished another chance at fullback for the Reds. The Wallaby finisher caught high balls and ran strongly.
Centres Isaac Henry and Josh Flook both produced strong showings to put their injury-disrupted 2022 campaigns behind them.
Flook was instrumental in providing Wilson the chance for the opening try after the Reds countered off turnover ball.
A spin move close to the tryline from Wilson generated another five-pointer while he threw a short ball to Smith for his try after a quick tap by Filipo Daugunu had got the attack rolling.
It was just the strong ball-carrying start to 2023 that Wilson would have wanted after former Australian coach Dave Rennie chopped him from the Wallabies tour squad to Europe at the end of last year.
The Reds were far better grooved with their familiarity in attack compared to a Force side with so many new parts. Even without Wallaby spark Tate McDermott, sharp improver Kalani Thomas gave his team punch from halfback.
He made a dummying 20m run from a lineout to score an excellent solo try.
Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight started the game as captain before a baton change with Liam Wright who took on both roles as skipper and openside with fine effect.
The Reds blooded their new signings with former Melbourne Rebel Luke Jones starting at lock and Fijian Test prop Peni Ravai anchoring the scrum.
Ravai grabbed one turnover to show his versatility away from the scrum.
New Force coach Simon Cron will be delighted that key Wallabies lock Izack Rodda made a trouble-free return from his long-term foot injury.
In the backs, English winger Zach Kibirige scored his team’s first try with a kick-and-regather. Force flyhalf Hamish Stewart enjoyed the challenge of his hitout against his former club.
Queensland Reds 45 (H Wilson 2, H McLaughlin-Phillips 2, R Smith, K Thomas tries; T Lynagh 4 con, I Henry 2 conv, pen goal) beat Western Force 10 (Z Kibirige, C Parata tries)
