Reds star Harry Wilson moves to the bench for Chiefs clash

The Queensland Reds have made seven changes to their starting side ahead of their trans-Tasman derby with the unbeaten Chiefs in New Plymouth on Friday night.

After starting every match of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign so far, Wallabies and Reds backrower Harry Wilson will look to provide some impact off the bench.

Co-captain will line up in the backrow alongside flanker Fraser McReight, while Seru Uru will pack down at the back of the scrum.

Tate McDermott and Lawson Creighton will partner each other in the halves again this week, and will look to steer a relatively new backline around the park.

Taj Annan and Josh Flook have both been ruled out of the clash with the Chiefs, so Filipo Daugunu will start at outside centre this week.

Wallaby Jordan Petaia has also been ruled out of the match, with Jock Campbell shifting to fullback and rising star Mac Grealy coming into the starting XV on the left wing.

“The Chiefs provide a tough assignment on Friday night being the competition’s front runner,” coach Brad Thorn said in a statement.

“They have threats across the field and we will need to be at our best.

“It’s pleasing to see Paddy and Louis potentially get an opportunity to debut.”

The match is set to kick off at 5.05pm AEST at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth, on Friday.

Reds team to take on Chiefs

1. George Blake
2. Richie Asiata
3. Peni Ravai
4. Angus Blyth
5. Connor Vest
6. Liam Wright (cc)
7. Fraser McReight
8. Seru Uru
9. Tate McDermott
10. Lawson Creighton
11. Mac Grealy
12. James O’Connor
13. Filipo Daugunu
14. Suliasi Vunivalu
15. Jock Campbell

Replacements:

16. Matt Faessler
17. Sef Fa’agase
18. Zane Nonggorr
19. Ryan Smith
20. Harry Wilson
21. Louis Werchon
22. Tom Lynagh
23. Paddy James