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Harry Wilson and James O’Connor return to the Reds’ starting XV
By Finn Morton
Wallabies Harry Wilson and James O’Connor will return to the Queensland Reds’ starting side when they take on the Highlanders in a crunch clash on Friday night.
Make no mistake, this is a must-win match for both teams. The Highlanders currently sit just outside the top eight in ninth, while the Reds sit in seventh.
But that it can all change this weekend. Only four competition points separate the trans-Tasman rivals, and including this week there’s only two rounds left in the regular season.
Finals are practically within reach for the Reds, but they’ll want to get the job done in Dunedin – and they’ve called upon some talented reinforcements.
As well as Wilson and O’Connor, Reds coach Brad Thorn has also named rising star Tom Lynagh in the No. 10 jersey for the first time since round 10. In total, the Reds have made six changes to the first XV.
“It’s an important game on Friday night with both sides pushing towards finals. We expect it to be a quality contest,” Thorn said in a statement.
“The Highlanders are always a strong opposition with some great players and passionate fans in Dunedin.
“We’re pleased to welcome Hunter back. He’s been working hard and will bring impact as a finisher.”
Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr will pack down in the front row, while Angus Blyth and Connor Vest make up the rest of the tight five.
The Reds have named a familiar looking backrow this week, with Liam Wright and Fraser McReight both named on the flanks – Wilson will start at the back of the scrum.
As for the backline, Wallaby Tate McDermott will look to continue his promising form when he lines up in the halves alongside Tom Lynagh.
The pair will look to get the most out of an exciting backline, which includes another rising star in Mac Grealy on the left wing.
James O’Connor will start at inside centre, and will combine with Josh Flook in the midfield. Wallabies Suliasi Vunivalu and Jock Campbell have also been named in the run-on side.
On the bench, Hunter Paisami has been named for his first match since recovering from a medial ligament injury.
This match is set to get underway at 5.05pm AEST on Friday at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Reds team to take on Highlanders
- Peni Ravai
- Matt Faessler
- Zane Nonggorr
- Angus Blyth
- Connor Vest
- Liam Wright
- Fraser McReight
- Harry Wilson
- Tate McDermott
- Tom Lynagh
- Mac Grealy
- James O’Connor
- Josh Flook
- Suliasi Vunivalu
- Jock Campbell
Replacements:
- Richie Asiata
- Dane Zander
- Sef Fa’agase
- Jake Upfield
- Seru Uru
- Kalani Thomas
- Lawson Creighton
- Hunter Paisami
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Latest Comments
Important win for Ulster.
Just something that the article picture brings up.
The Stormers defender has no chance of getting the player or ball. Yet he slides in with the boot. Now Balacoume avoids the collision by twisting his body to touch down.
But it seems to me that in the act of scoring a try the defender generally is allowed a free illegal hit on the try scorer. The objective is to intimidate the opponent who knows a hit is coming and might err. Or else its just to take the easy shot at giving a player a blow without being punished.
You see players, rolling over other players heads, no arms tackles, feet first, knees first slides (Liam Williams take a bow). Why can’t one referee do the right thing and punish these ‘always illegal’ tackles?
This isn’t a swipe at Stormers by the way, the picture just brought it to mind.
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