The return of 2022 Wallaby Jock Campbell is the single change to the Queensland Reds’ starting side for Sunday afternoon’s clash against the Hurricanes in Melbourne.
Head coach Les Kiss has backed consistency by retaining the same match day 23 that produced a 40-22 victory over the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium last Saturday.
Campbell, blooded at fullback as a four-Test Wallaby in 2022, comes in on the wing for Mac Grealy for this match in Super Round where all 12 clubs in Super Rugby Pacific are converging on AAMI Park over three days of action.
“Jock gets his chance this weekend after his brilliant form in the trials. This is an opportunity for me to see him as a winger," Kiss said.
"It's great to have such riches in the backline. Mac served us very well against the Waratahs with his workrate and edge defence and he’ll enter the game from the bench at wing or fullback.
“Everyone who is fit in our squad is getting minutes this weekend with our Super Round match and our development team trial against Souths on Saturday (at Chipsy Wood Oval).”
The Reds have not beaten the Hurricanes since 2013. The Kiwis demonstrated their potency off turnover ball when they opened the new season with a 44-14 win over the Western Force.
“After the Waratahs match, we have been very focussed on areas to improve. We understand how dangerous the Hurricanes are off turnover ball. You just can’t give them anything easy,” Kiss said.
Kiss is looking forward to all the Super Rugby Pacific teams gathering in one city.
“I do like the concept of Super Round. Trying to promote rugby this way is positive,” he said.
Flyhalf Tom Lynagh said the start against the Waratahs was a confidence-booster for the squad.
“Obviously, it was Round One and to start with a win was good for confidence but we know we have a lot of things to work on for the Hurricanes match,” Lynagh said.
“Our breakdown work to secure our ball is one area we’ve put time into because you want good ball to attack off.”
Sunday 3 March
AAMI Park, Melbourne
3:30pm AEST
Watch live via Stan Sport
1. Alex Hodgman - Sunnybank – Mount Albert Grammar School, Auckland – Suburbs Rugby Football Club, Auckland
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
5. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6. Liam Wright (cc) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts
7. Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (cc) University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College, England – Richmond Rugby Club
11. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Brothers
14. Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
15. Jordan Petaia – Wests – Brisbane State High School
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace-Easts
17. Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
18. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
19. Cormac Daly - Norths – Ul Riada, Ireland – North Kildare/Kilcock GAA, Ireland
20. John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Souths – Brisbane Boy’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
