Poor type, accidents and suspension have led to besieged Reds coach Brad Thorn making sweeping adjustments to Queensland’s group following its embarrassing 28-point loss to the ACT Brumbies.
Only eight gamers who began for the Reds in final week’s 52-24 Super Rugby Pacific defeat at Suncorp Stadium have retained their locations in Queensland’s 15 for Friday’s conflict in opposition to Moana Pasifika in Samoa.
Gone are injured trio Liam Wright (hand), Isaac Henry (hamstring) and Seru Uru (concussion), suspended lock Angus Blyth, and dropped threesome Filipo Daugunu, Peni Ravai and Phransis Sula-Siaosi.
Called into the beginning facet are James O’Connor, who will begin at inside centre, flanker Jake Upfield, winger Suliasi Vunivalu, locks Connor Vest and Ryan Smith and props Sef Fa’agase and Zane Nonggorr
The bench, which incorporates Ravai and Sula-Siaosi, additionally comprises returning flyhalf Tom Lynagh, who has recovered from lingering signs of concussion.
The eighth-placed Reds – who’ve received simply two from seven this season – are determined to keep away from a fourth successive defeat.
“Moana Pasifika will be a challenge in front of their passionate fans and we’re looking forward to a tough contest,” mentioned Thorn, who’s off contract on the finish of the season and beneath stress to maintain his job.
However, Reds co-captain Tate McDermott leapt to the defence of his coach.
“He’s been as good as you can be,” halfback McDermott mentioned of Thorn.
“It’s disappointing because he has copped barbs from most angles.
“It’s pretty unfair because if you look at our organisation, he’s not solely responsible for it.
“There are so many other pieces that are responsible for the way the Reds are playing, including the players and the extended staff, so we’ve got to shoulder all the blame as well.
“We’ve got to share that burden because it’s not just on Thorny.”
McDermott mentioned the Reds needed to “bring the dog out” in defence in opposition to the last-placed Moana Pasifika, who’re but to win a recreation this season.
“Moana will be up for it. You give them a little line break here or there and they’ll feed off it,” McDermott mentioned.
“Their fans in the background will be screaming and they’ll be full of confidence.”
Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Ryan Smith. Jake Upfield, Fraser McReight. Harry Wilson. Tate McDermott. Lawson Creighton. Jordan Petaia. James O’Connor. Josh Flook. Suliasi Vunivalu. Jock Campbell. Bench: Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai. Phransis Sula-Siaosi. Lopeti Faifua. Connor Anderson. Kalani Thomas. Tom Lynagh. Mac Grealy.
Source: www.news.com.au
