Seru Uru’s form has given Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn plenty to ponder

Reds co-captain Liam Wright could be available for Queensland’s battle with the Brumbies after recovering from a shoulder injury, but the form of his replacement Seru Uru has given coach Brad Thorn a lot to think about.

The potential return of Reds co-captain Liam Wright has given Queensland coach Brad Thorn a pleasant selection headache ahead of his side’s Super Rugby Pacific showdown against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday night.

Flanker Wright hasn’t played since injuring his shoulder in the Reds’ first-round 23-5 win over the Melbourne Rebels on February 19.

In his absence, the Queenslanders have maintained theirs successful form, with the weekend’s 33-28 victory over Fijian Drua being the Reds’ fourth straight win.

The form of Seru Uru, who is currently occupying Wright’s position, was particularly impressive against the Drua at Suncorp Stadium.

Fiji-born Uru not only scored the Reds’ match-winning try after the visitors had levelled scores at 28-28 with a second-half surge, he also won a lineout from a Drua throw close to Queensland’s tryline in the game’s dying seconds to deny his countrymen one final chance at victory.

Reds flanker Seru Uru is tackled during Queensland’s win over Fijian Drua. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“He’s one of those players you play with (that) could have an (any) number on their back but they just do what the team needs – what needs to be done, they’ll do it,” Thorn said of the 25-year-old Uru.

“Seru read that play at the very end but he’s very smart, a very intelligent rugby player – a born footballer I would say.

“I’d say he’d be the same in any other sport he played. He’s a talented guy.

“It’s good the people are noticing him. He’s doing a great job, and is good around the team.

“The guys really like him. It’s good having him out there.”

Thorn said Wright “might be a chance” to play against the Brumbies.

If Wright is chosen, it could be off the bench in what would be his first appearance in a month.

With Uru having baulked up, there is also the possibility he could be shifted to lock to accommodate a possible Wright return.

Even if Uru was forced back to the bench, his second-half impact could be crucial to the Reds’ chances of opening their season with five successive wins.

“It’s been quite an adventure, the first four games,” Thorn said.

“It’s good to get the four wins. We’re building. (The win over Fijian Drua) was an interesting one – you learn from that.”

“(We will) take that win, and now we have a really tough assignment with the Brumbies, who are in really good form.”

Originally published as Seru Uru’s form has given Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn plenty to ponder