1
Reds unchanged as they chase first back-to-back win against Australian teams since 2015
By AAP
Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn is wary of playmaker Matt To'omua's smarts as his side chases rare back-to-back wins in Friday's Super Rugby AU clash with Melbourne Rebels.
The Reds blew hot and cold in a 2-5 Super Rugby record before the shutdown and opened their domestic campaign with a tight win over the NSW Waratahs last weekend.
Thorn has named an unchanged side to face the Rebels in Sydney on Friday, with exciting backrow combination Fraser McReight, Liam Wright and Harry Wilson again teaming up and James O'Connor to continue his flourishing partnership with halfback Tate McDermott.
Lock Angus Blyth has also recovered from a head clash that ended his night in the first half last week and will return to strengthen the line-out.
The Reds scored four tries to the Waratahs' two at Suncorp Stadium last Friday and Thorn wants to see a progression against the Rebels, who pushed the Brumbies in their competitive return last weekend.
To'omua's reliable boot and savvy game management will test a Reds side that has shown immense potential but failed to capitalise so far this year.
"This is game two for us and we're focused on improving our game and knowing we've got a really tough opposition," Thorn said.
"We've got a lot of respect for the Rebels. They're a really good defensive side – good line-speed.
Smart man at 10 there with To'omua. They've got a good set-piece – they've really stepped up in their scrummaging, good line-out ... they're a strong side and that's how we're approaching it."
Last year's Australian Schools and under-18s captain Josh Flook has again been named on the bench as the exciting back awaits a potential Super Rugby AU debut.
- Murray Wentzel
Queensland: Bryce Hegarty, Jock Campbell, Hunter Paisaimi, Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daugunu, James O'Connor, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Hoopert. Reserves: Alex Mafi, JP Smith, Josh Nasser, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Angus Scott-Young, Scott Malolua, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Josh Flook.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Six players Rassie Erasmus must hand Springbok debuts to in 2025
3
Ex-England flyhalf says All Blacks scared
4
Gloucester respond to complaints over Russian flag
5
Latest Comments
He is contracted to the end of 2025. When he took the job he said he probably wouldn't go onto the RWC. If that pans out how does that equate with walking out and undermining us.
And you confidently stated that due to your influence he would be gone by the end of 2024.
That didn't happen and he definitely will be coaching the Wallabies until the end of this year and if he leaves then it will be as per his contract.
Your Walter Mitty fantasising continues.
Go to commentsTripe. When have the ABs or the Boks ever been scared of playing each other. If the Eden Park record gets broken then this would be the team I'd want to lose it to. Crikey that's going to be a great game.
Go to comments