O’Connor, Vunivalu recalled to starting team as Reds bid to end three-game losing run

Embattled Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn has made a host of team changes as he searches for a winning formula after three successive losses.

Reds coach Brad Thorn is searching for a winning formula. Picture: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

Poor form, injuries and suspension have led to besieged Reds coach Brad Thorn making sweeping changes to Queensland’s team following its embarrassing 28-point loss to the ACT Brumbies.

Only eight players who started for the Reds in last week’s 52-24 Super Rugby Pacific defeat at Suncorp Stadium have retained their places in Queensland’s 15 for Friday’s clash against 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 starting side are James O’Connor, who will start 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 includes Ravai and Sula-Siaosi, also contains returning flyhalf Tom Lynagh, who has recovered from lingering symptoms of concussion.

The eighth-placed Reds – who have won just two from seven this season – are desperate to avoid a fourth successive defeat.

Winger Suliasi Vunivalu has been recalled to the Reds’ starting 15. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“Moana Pasifika will be a challenge in front of their passionate fans and we’re looking forward to a tough contest,” said Thorn, who is off contract at the end of the season and under pressure to keep 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 said 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 said the Reds had to “bring the dog out” in defence against the last-placed Moana Pasifika, who are yet to win a game 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 said.

“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.

Originally published as O’Connor, Vunivalu recalled to starting team as Reds bid to end three-game losing run