Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn swings the selection axe after home loss
Unhappy with the Reds’ performance against the Blues, Queensland coach Brad Thorn has dropped almost half of his starting team.
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Queensland coach Brad Thorn has wielded the selection axe as the Reds bid to keep their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive.
Following the Reds’ 45-26 home loss to the Blues last week, Thorn has made seven changes to his starting team for Friday night’s battle with the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Flyhalf Tom Lynagh has been promoted from the bench into the No.10 jersey, while James O’Connor returns at inside centre after sitting out last Friday’s clash due to concussion.\
No.8 Harry Wilson and winger Mac Grealy have also stepped up from the bench, while the Reds will field an entirely different starting front-row of Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr.
Of the seven players gone from the starting 15, Lawson Creighton, Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase and Seru Uru are all among the reserves, while George Blake, Taj Annan and the injured Filipo Daugunu have missed the 23-man squad altogether.
The Queensland bench will also include Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami, who will make his long-awaited return from a knee injury.
“We’re pleased to welcome Hunter back,” Thorn said.
“He’s been working hard and will bring impact as a finisher.”
The Reds are currently in seventh spot but the ninth-placed Highlanders are only four points behind the Queenslanders.
“It’s an important game on Friday night with both sides pushing towards finals. We expect it to be a quality contest,” Thorn said.
“The Highlanders are always a strong opposition with some great players and passionate fans in Dunedin. “
Reds: Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy, James O’Connor, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell. Bench: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Jake Upfield, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Hunter Paisami.
Originally published as Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn swings the selection axe after home loss
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