Reds axe Vunivalu, bench O'Connor for Brumbies

Wed, Apr 5, 2023, 3:20 AM
AW
by AAP and Nathan Williamson

Eddie Jones asked for a cattleprod but Reds coach Brad Thorn might've delivered a more stinging blow for winger Suliasi Vunivalu, dropping him from Friday's clash with the Brumbies

It comes as James O'Connor find himself on the bench as the Reds struggle for form, sitting in eighth position on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.

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The pair paid the price for their off-colour showings in last Friday's loss to the Crusaders, with Vunivalu's demotion coming in the same week he was included in Eddie Jones' first Wallabies training squad.

With 19-year-old five-eighth Tom Lynagh still exhibiting concussion symptoms, Reds coach Brad Thorn has called up Creighton for the first time this season to take on the Brumbies on Friday night.

O'Connor was replaced as first-choice kicker by Isaac Henry last week and was poor generally off the boot against the Crusaders, while Vunivalu laboured in a display that appeared lacking in confidence after a spate of hamstring injuries.

“We face the Brumbies for the second time this season and they’ve proven to be one of the form teams in the competition," Thorn said in a statement

“We get another chance to play in front of our home crowd. We’re looking forward to seeing them there on Friday night for what should be a good contest."

As for the Brumbies, they retain a more settled line-up as they look to complete the double over the Reds.

The starting side is unchanged but the presence of Darcy Swain and Billy Pollard on the bench adds further experience after overcoming injuries.

Wallabies lock Cadeyrn Neville will also play in his 100th Super Rugby appearance, having also featured for the Rebels and Reds.

"We’re pleased to be in a position to pick a settled team this week and to be able to bring Billy and Darcy back onto the bench," coach Stephen Larkham said.

“It’s always a special game for us against the Reds up in Brisbane, we’ve got Nev’s 100th as well so there’s a buzz in the group and we’re looking forward to the challenge against a really good side.”

REDS (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell

RESERVES: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, James O'Connor, Taj Annan

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

RESERVES: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O'Donnell

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