The Queensland Reds have confirmed their side to take on the Chiefs in New Plymouth in Round 12 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific this Friday night.
Head coach Brad Thorn has made seven changes to his starting side, with George Blake set to make his starting debut in the front row, while Seru Uru also returns to the starting side at number-eight.
Brothers product and utility back Paddy James will potentially make his Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench, with Sunshine Coast scrumhalf Louis Werchon also set to make his Super Rugby debut after featuring for Queensland in last year’s tour of Japan.
Thorn said: “The Chiefs provide a tough assignment on Friday night being the competition’s front runner.
“They have threats across the field and we will need to be at our best.
“It’s pleasing to see Paddy and Louis potentially get an opportunity to debut.” Blake starts at loosehead prop in a new-look front row, with both Richie Asiata and Peni Ravai named to start after featuring on the bench last week.
After notching his 50th Queensland cap last round, Angus Blyth returns to the run-on team and will start at lock alongside Connor Vest.
Uru will start in the backrow, with Harry Wilson rested on the bench after starting in every match so far this season.
Co-captain Liam Wright and Fraser McReight retain their positions, as do halves combination Tate McDermott and Lawson Creighton.
Filipo Daugunu will start at outside centre for the first time, with both Taj Annan (concussion) and Josh Flook (cork) unavailable.
Jordan Petaia has been ruled out with a wrist injury, which will see Jock Campbell shift to fullback and Mac Grealy come into the starting side for the first time this season.
Werchon and James are both set for milestone games off the bench, with the likes of Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler and Ryan Smith to provide impact as finishers.
The Reds take on the ladder-leading Chiefs at 5:05pm AEST at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth this Friday night. Watch live via Stan Sport.
- George Blake* – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
- Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
- Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
- Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
- Connor Vest – University of Queensland – Grafton High School – Grafton Junior Rugby Club
- Liam Wright (cc) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
- Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
- Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
- Tate McDermott (cc) – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
- Lawson Creighton – Brothers – Padua College
- Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
- James O’Connor – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
- Filipo Daugunu – Wests – Dogotuki District School, Fjii
- Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
- Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
- Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
- Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
- Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
- Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
- Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
- Louis Werchon** – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Maroochydore Swans
- Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club
- Paddy James*** – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
*denotes Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific starting debut
**denotes potential Super Rugby Pacific debut
***denotes potential Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific debut
