Tom Lynagh has been named at flyhalf for the Queensland Reds’ quarter-final clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.
Head coach Les Kiss expects to maximise the value of his double act at No.10 with in-form Lawson Creighton to be used off the bench in the Super Rugby Pacific knockout clash.
In the pack, young No.8 John Bryant, lock Ryan Smith and former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen have been reinstated from the bench to complete the four changes to the starting side.
Lynagh showed his poise as a replacement last Friday by slotting a late penalty goal from nearly 50m to sink the NSW Waratahs 27-26 in Sydney.
The Reds v Chiefs quarter final shapes as a fascinating dual with the Queenslanders winning three of the five matches played between the sides since 2021.
Both sides have scored 66 tries during the regular season, a record tally for any Reds side since Super Rugby launched in 1996.
Head coach Les Kiss is excited that the 8-6 Reds have built the confidence to stay true to the style of rugby that has got them this far.
“Finals footy…it’s exciting and a different beast. You’ve got to love it,” Kiss said
“Winning in Hamilton will be a difficult task. If we commit to playing our style, we’ve got a chance against a good Chiefs side.
“We have had some positive results against New Zealand teams this season. Of the three wins, one was crucially in Christchurch.
“That experience and what we’ve learnt in close matches will stand us in good stead but it doesn’t guarantee you anything.
“We’ve got to be able to handle the purple patch they’ll have in the game and that’s going to take a massive collective effort.
“I’m more than comfortable we have the players to turn up for those special moments that come in games like this.”
Lynagh gained finals experience against the Chiefs last year. He will play outside 28-Test halfback Tate McDermott.
“Tom’s finals experience last year pays forward for us. With Lawson from the bench, it’s a combo that’s’ worked well for us this season,” Kiss said.
“I’m very confident in the job they’ll do.”
Skilful lock Seru Uru will play his 50th game for the Reds in Hamilton. Uru has been in superb form this season. His workrate for ball-carries and clever link play on attack have been a feature.
Queensland Reds v Chiefs Friday 7 June FMG Stadium, Hamilton, 5:05pm AEST Watch live Stan Sport
- Alex Hodgman – Sunnybank – Mount Albert Grammar School, Auckland – Suburbs Rugby Football Club, Auckland
- Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
- Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
- Seru Uru – Wests, Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
- Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
- Liam Wright (cc) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts
- Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
- John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
- Tate McDermott (cc) - University of Queensland - Sunshine Coast Grammar School - Flinders Rugby Club
- Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club, UK
- Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
- Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
- Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Brothers
- Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
- Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders Reserves:
- Josh Nasser – University of Queensland - St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace - Easts
- Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
- Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
- Connor Vest – Souths - Grafton High School - Grafton Junior Rugby Club
- Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
- Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
- Lawson Creighton - Brothers - Padua College
- Taj Annan – Souths – Brisbane Boys’ College – Merewether Carlton
