The Vintage Reds XV and Tongan Invitational XV have named all-star squads for Saturday night’s fundraising match for the UNICEF Australia Tongan Recovery Appeal.
Reds coach Brad Thorn is set to feature from the bench, getting comfortable with the playing conditions before the Reds take on the Rebels to kick-off Super Rugby Pacific.
The Reds forward pack features four former Wallaby captains, with Stephen Moore, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill and Ben Mowen joined by captain and backrower David Croft.
Chris Latham, Rod Davies and Berrick Barnes headline a backline filled with experience, including Drew Mitchell, Lachie Turner and Mike Harris.
Meanwhile, the Tongan side will bring an experienced pack into the match, with Radike Samo, Trevor Leota and George Smith bringing over 160 caps of international experience.
All Black star Hosea Gear slots onto the wing, joined by Digby Ioane and the immortal Andrew Walker.
Cross-code star Lote Tuqiri features on the bench, with Tongan coach Toutai Kefu hinting he might come on for some minutes himself.
"We’re really pleased with the talent both teams have been able to provide," he said in a statement
“There’s some legendary names in Queensland Rugby lacing up the boots for the first time in a long time, which just goes to show what a great cause we are raising money for.
“So many people in the Rugby community have been touched by the disaster in Tonga and I encourage everyone to donate what they can to the UNICEF Australia Tongan Recovery Appeal.”
Vintage Reds XV v Tongan Invitational XV, Saturday 19 February, Suncorp Stadium, 5pm:
Vintage Reds XV
- Sean Hardman
- Stephen Moore
- Guy Shepardson
- James Horwill
- Nathan Sharpe
- Ben Mowen
- David Croft
- Scott Higginbotham
- Nick Frisby
- Berrick Barnes
- Rodney Davies
- Lachlan Turner
- Drew Mitchell
- Mike Harris
- Chris Latham
- Mark Chisolm
- Sam Cordingley
- Tim Aitkinson
- Tom McVery
- Dallan Murphy
- Tom Court
- Mark Connors
- Andrew Farley
- Adam Wallace-Harrison
- Ernest Skelton
- Nick Gregorski
- Mitch Chapman
- Pat Howard
- Brad Thorn
Tongan Invitational XV
- Tevita Mailau
- Trevor Leota
- David Feao
- Dan Leo
- Radike Samo
- Simana Halaifonua
- George Smith
- Lolo Fakaosilea
- Jacob Raulini
- Shane Drahm
- Hosea Gear
- Mafileo Kefu
- Lloyd Johansson
- Digby Ioane
- Andrew Walker
- Eddie Aholelei
- Salesi Manu
- Criff Tupou
- Paula Kaho
- Matt Mafi
- Richard Kingi
- Steve Kefu
- Pila Fifita
- Lote Tuqiri
- Aidan Toua
