‘Another tough challenge’: Reds name team for Blues clash

After shocking the rugby world with a stunning upset win over the Chiefs in New Plymouth last Friday, the Reds have named their team to take on the Blues this week.

The Reds, who are set to play their final home game of the season on Friday night, have welcomed rising star Josh Flook back into the starting side.

Flook will line up at outside centre after recovering from a quad injury, while Sef Fa’agase and Taj Annan are the two other changes to the first XV.

Having beaten the previously undefeated Chiefs last week, the Reds are looking for their second consecutive win over New Zealand opposition.

The Reds are set to host the Blues at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium at 7.35pm AEST.

“It’s great to have our last home game this Friday at Suncorp Stadium.” Thorn said in a statement.

“We’re looking forward to playing in front of our Queensland fans for Indigenous Round.

“We face another tough challenge in the Blues who are a top-five team in the competition. We look forward to another competitive game on Friday night.”

Since making his Super Rugby Pacific debut, prop George Blake has been more than impressive for the Reds. After scoring two tries in three games, Blake retains his spot in the run-on side.

Blake will pack down in the front row alongside Richie Asiata and Sef Fa’agase, while Angus Blyth and Connor Vest round out the tight five.

The backrow trio of Liam Wright, Fraser McReight and Seru Uru also remains unchanged going into the round 13 trans-Tasman derby, with Harry Wilson set to come off the bench once again.

Flyhalf Lawson Creighton will partner Wallaby Tate McDermott in the halves this week, as they look to steer an exciting backline around the park.

Taj Annan and Josh Flook with combine in the midfield, while Wallabies Filipo Daugunu, Suliasi Vunivalu and Joc Campbell have been named to start as the teams’ outside backs.

Reds team to take on Blues

1. George Blake
2. Richie Asiata
3. Sef Fa’agase
4. Angus Blyth
5. Connor Vest
6. Liam Wright (cc)
7. Fraser McReight
8. Seru Uru
9. Tate McDermott (cc)
10. Lawson Creighton
11. Filipo Daugunu
12. Taj Annan
13. Josh Flook
14. Suliasi Vunivalu
15. Jock Campbell

Replacements:

16. Matt Faessler
17. Dane Zander
18. Zane Nonggorr
19. Ryan Smith
20. Harry Wilson
21. Louis Werchon
22. Tom Lynagh
23. Mac Grealy