‘Deserved favourites’: Reds name star-studded side for Chiefs quarter

The Queensland Reds shocked the rugby world with a win over the previously unbeaten Chiefs earlier this season, and they’re looking to do it again this weekend.

Playing in New Plymouth last month, the Reds held on for a tough 22-25 win. That one loss is the only blip on an otherwise sensational campaign for the Chiefs.

But the regular season is no more. What’s done is done – knockout footy is here.

The Reds have confirmed their side to take on the Chiefs in Saturday’s quarter-final, which includes three changes to the starting side.

Tom Lynagh takes over the playmaking reins at flyhalf, while veteran James O’Connor shifts into the midfield to replace the injured Hunter Paisami.

Sef Fa’agase is the one other change to the run-on side, with Zane Nonggorr looking to provide some impact off the bench.

“We come into the quarter-final with a great challenge in front of us. Finals footy is a step up in intensity, physicality and pressure,” coach Brad Thorn said in a statement.

“The Chiefs finished as minor premiers and are deserved favourites in Hamilton this Saturday.

“They’ve got threats across the park and we will need to be at our best to challenge them this weekend.”

Peni Ravai and Matt Faessler will join Fa’agase in the front row, while the familiar second row duo of Angus Blyth and Ryan Smith round out the tight five.

Seru Uru, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson will form a formidable loose forward trio.

The Reds have named five Wallabies in their backline, and the uncapped Josh Flook was included in Eddie Jones’ training squad earlier this year.

Flyhalf Tom Lynagh is the only other uncapped player in the backline, but has been touted as a player of the future – with the rising star named in the Junior Wallabies squad for the World Rugby U20 Championships.

With a spot in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals up for grabs, the Reds will need to repeat history on Saturday afternoon.

This match gets underway at 2.35pm AEST on Saturday at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium.

Reds team to take on Chiefs

1. Peni Ravai
2. Matt Faessler
3. Sef Fa’agase
4. Angus Blyth
5. Ryan Smith
6. Seru Uru
7. Fraser McReight
8. Harry Wilson
9. Tate McDermott
10. Tom Lynagh
11. Josh Flook
12. James O’Connor
13. Filipo Daugunu
14. Suliasi Vunivalu
15. Jock Campbell

Replacements:

16. Richie Asiata
17. Dane Zander
18. Zane Nonggorr
19. Lopeti Faifua
20. Jake Upfield
21. Kalani Thomas
22. Lawson Creighton
23. Taj Annan