James O’Connor will make his first begin of the Super Rugby Pacific season on the expense of Tom Lynagh because the Queensland Reds bid to return to profitable kind in opposition to Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Lynagh, the 19-year-old son of Queensland and Wallabies nice Michael Lynagh, has began at fly half within the Reds’ opening three video games of the season.
However. Queensland coach Brad Thorn has responded to his aspect’s 23-17 loss to the ACT Brumbies final Saturday night time by dropping Lynagh to the bench and changing him within the No.10 jersey with the skilled O”Connor, who performed for the ultimate 40 minutes in Canberra.
It’s one among three modifications Thorn has made to his beginning 15.
Wallaby Jock Campbell may also begin for the primary time this season, having been chosen at fullback.
Campbell’s elevation has resulted in pleasure machine Jordan Petaia shifting to the wing, with former Melbourne Storm star Suliasi Vunivalu dropping to the bench.
The different change is compelled, with inside centre Taj Annan to make his Super Rugby beginning debut, filling the emptiness left by Wallaby Hunter Paisami, who has been dominated out with concussion.
The Drua will probably be something however pushovers following their upset 25-24 win over the Crusaders in Lautoka final Saturday.
“The Drua are coming off a memorable win in Fiji,” Reds mentor Thorn mentioned.
“They’re a great attacking team and can hurt you from anywhere on the field. It should be a great afternoon with some fast, attacking rugby on display.”
Meanwhile, Reds flanker Fraser McReight has re-signed with Queensland and Rugby Australia till the tip of 2025.
“I love playing for Queensland, it’s my home, so I’m super excited to be able to play here for another two years,” the 24-year-old Wallaby mentioned.
“This team has plenty left to achieve and I want to be here when we do.
“I’m really enjoying my time here working hard with the boys and the staff, which makes coming into work very enjoyable.
“I love representing my state and country and that’s my first priority. It’s an exciting time in Australian rugby with a new coach (Eddie Jones), World Cup and (British and Irish) Lions tour coming up.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
Jones, who lately changed the sacked Dave Rennie as Wallabies coach, mentioned McReight had “plenty of potential”.
“He’s made a good start to the year with Queensland and we’re looking forward to watching him closely throughout the Super Rugby Pacific season,” Jones mentioned of the previous Junior Wallabies captain.
Reds: Dane Zander. Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Taj Annan, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell. Bench: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Peni Ravai, Jake Upfield, Connor Vest, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Suliasi Vunivalu
Source: www.news.com.au
