In the final pre-season hit out before the Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific opener against Moana Pasifika on Friday February 21, Head Coach Les Kiss has unlocked some new combinations within the team to face proud Irish province Ulster in Belfast on Friday at 7:35pm local time (5:35am AEST, Saturday).
Leaders Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Jock Campbell, Hunter Paisami and Filipo Daugunu retain their starting spots, with Daugunu moving to the 13 jersey, while Wallabies Matt Faessler and Angus Blyth are also named to start.
The game is available for live stream in Australia here.
There is a purchase price involved, which is reduced by 50% if watching the game on replay as opposed to live.
Kiss was formerly Director of Rugby at Ulster and is delighted to be heading to Ravenhill with his Reds side for what is the 100-year celebration of Rugby at the famous ground.
“It’s a special part of the world to play Rugby,” Kiss said. “We loved our time living in Ireland, both with the national team and then with Ulster, and I feel privileged to be coaching the Reds at a ground which means so much to me and my family.
"I have huge respect for the fans and the club, and while we’ll be doing everything in our power to get the victory, it will be nice to sit down and share a drink with some wonderful people at full time.”
A new-look tight five sees Sef Fa’agase and Massimo De Lutiis starting either side of Faessler, with experienced lock Ryan Smith alongside Blyth in the second-row, and Connor Vest wearing the 6 jersey alongside McReight and Wilson.
McDermott has a new halves partner in Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, with Heremaia Murray and Tim Ryan on the wings and Campbell at fullback.
“We’ve got some excellent competition for places in our side, and the guys coming in will be determined to make the most of the opportunity,” Les Kiss said.
“This is especially true in the second-row, where Lukhan and Josh Canham got the opportunity against Bristol, and now Ryan and Angus are ready to aim up against Ulster.
“We’re also excited to see Filipo having a run alongside Hunter in the midfield, after he performed strongly on the wing last week.”
George Blake, Josh Nasser, John Bryant, Louis Werchon and Mason Gordon will all see their first action on the tour as reserves, with three more Wallabies in Zane Nonggorr, Salakaia-Loto and Tom Lynagh rounding out the matchday 23.
“Both Harry (McLaughlin-Philips) and Tom (Lynagh) were excellent at Ashton Gate,” Kiss said.
“For two young 10s, they took the game on and gave our backs plenty of time in space. They also kicked very well in general play, to put our forwards on the front foot, and from the tee.
“Harry will relish the chance to play from the start in front of a fanbase that brings exceptional support for their team, and Tom can be injected later in the game to great effect.”
1 Sef Fa’agase
2 Matt Faessler
3 Massimo de Lutiis
4 Ryan Smith
5 Angus Blyth
6 Connor Vest
7 Fraser McReight (VC)
8 Harry Wilson
9 Tate McDermott (C)
10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
11 Heremaia Murray
12 Hunter Paisami
13 Filipo Daugunu
14 Tim Ryan
15 Jock Campbell
16 Josh Nasser
17 George Blake
18 Zane Nonggorr
19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
20 John Bryant
21 Louis Werchon
22 Tom Lynagh
23 Mason Gordon
The Bristol Bears v Queensland Reds fixture will not be streamed. Live scores updates will be available via Queensland Reds on X, with match highlights to be shared via Queensland Reds Instagram and Facebook pages once available.
The Queensland Reds UK Tour culminates with a visit to Belfast to play Ulster at Ravenhill Stadium on Friday, February 7, with the game exclusively available for live stream purchase here. A discounted rate will be applied when watching the game on replay.
The Queensland Reds first Super Rugby Pacific match of the 2025 season is against Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium on Friday February 21. Queensland Reds memberships have already surpassed 2024 levels.
A big home crowd will certainly go a long way to giving us an edge. Individual game tickets are on sale here.
