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20 year-old Reds rookie set to debut on the wing
By Online Editors
Rookie winger Jack Hardy is the beneficiary of Brad Thorn's backline reshuffle at the Queensland Reds, earning a maiden Super Rugby start against the Stormers in Brisbane.
Thorn has made three personnel changes for Friday's match and a handful of positional switches as they seek to rebound from last week's 32-13 loss to the Melbourne Rebels.
Twenty-year-old Hardy and forwards Harry Hockings and Brandon Amosa-Paenga are the new faces in the starting lineup, with outside centre Chris Feauai-Sautia (hamstring) and flanker Angus Scott-Young (concussion) ruled out.
Hardy, who has made two bench cameos, will start on the left wing, with Sefa Naivalu shifted in one spot to outside centre and skipper Samu Kerevi also shuffled infield to oust Duncan Paia'aua from the No.12 jersey.
“Jack is a talented footballer and has impressed us since joining us in the pre-season," Thorn said.
"He’s had two good games off the bench against the Tahs and the Rebels. He deserves his spot."
Hardy spent his younger years in the Western Force age grade teams but has relocated to Brisbane for 2019 in order to represent one of Australia's current Super Rugby franchises.
The versatile Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shifts from lock to the blindside flank, making room for Hockings to pack down alongside Izack Rodda in the second row.
A third change is at hooker, where former bench man Amosa-Paenga undergoes a straight swap with Alex Mafi.
The Reds' fourth loss last week leaves them sharing last place on the ladder alongside the Jaguares and Sunwolves.
They face three straight matches against South African opposition, including two in the Republic against the Sharks and Bulls.
QUEENSLAND REDS
Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daungunu, Sefa Naivalu, Samu Kerevi (capt), Jack Hardy, Bryce Hegarty, Tate McDermott, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Wright, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Hockings, Izack Rodda, Ruan Smith, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, JP Smith. Res: Alex Mafi, Harry Hoopert, Taniela Tupou, Angus Blyth, Fraser McReight, Moses Sorovi, Duncan Paia'aua, Isaac Lucas.
- RugbyPass/AAP
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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