Reds coach Brad Thorn defends his decision to leave star flanker Fraser McReight out of Queensland’s starting team

The Reds must start well against the Crusaders on Friday night to ensure Fraser McReight has the chance to be a potential match-winner off the bench.

Reds coach Brad Thorn has defended his gamble to start Fraser McReight on the bench in Queensland’s do-or-die battle with the Crusaders, saying the star flanker’s “energy” will be vital in the second half on Friday night in Christchurch.

McReight has arguably been the Reds’ best player in their 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, with Thorn’s decision not to start him in a cut-throat quarter-final clash having raised some eyebrows.

To ensure McReight’s impact off the bench can potentially be match-winning, the Reds can’t afford a slow start against the powerful Crusaders for the second successive week.

The teams also met in Christchurch last Friday night in the final round of the regular season, with the hosts jumping to a 21-3 half\-time lead.

While the Queenslanders fought back to win the second-half 12-7, it was too little, too late, with the Crusaders winning 28-15 to hand the Reds their fifth defeat in six matches.

“I was really pleased with our ‘finishers’ that came on,” Thorn said.

“We bought energy in that second half, and Fraser’s going to be really important as part of that (on Friday night).

“With those guys that are on the bench, we think they can bring real energy. We’ll be looking at them to really add something again as the game goes to halftime into the second half.”

Or even earlier if the Reds struggle in the first half.

“We’ll be ready to feel the gaps in any in situation,” Thorn said.

“Those guys are the starting will be giving their best effort and there are 23 players (overall).

“Often in the last 20 minutes, it’s pretty well crunch time in the game, but we’ll adapt to whatever the situation is.”

Congratulations to our Japanese partners Saitama @Panasonic_WK on their #LeagueOne Grand Final victory!

Finals footy kicks off this weekend for the Reds as we take on the Crusaders in a Quarter Final blockbuster on Friday night in Christchurch #ForQueensland#CRUvREDpic.twitter.com/4Ieit4fGYd

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) May 30, 2022

McReight isn’t the only strike weapon that has been named among the reserves, with Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami to make his return from a shoulder injury via the bench.

“He hasn’t played for about a month now\, so it just made sense (to use him off the bench),” Thorn said of Paisami.

“It’s pleasing to have Hunter back and we’re sure to see an opportunity for him as the game plays out.”

Thorn said spending the week in Christchurch after last week’s loss had been a good bonding experience for the Reds.

“We get the chance to bond as a team and get a feel for the conditions we’ll play in this Friday night,” he said.

“It’s unique to play the Crusaders back-to-back at their home. We’ll embrace the challenge ahead come Friday night.”

Teams:Crusaders: George Bower, Codie Taylor, Oli Jager, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Pablo Matera, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Bryn Hall, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Faninga’anuku, David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan. Bench: Brodie McAlister, Finlay Brewis, Fletcher Newell, Zach Gallagher, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Braydon Ennor, George Bridge.

Reds: Harry Hoopert, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell. Bench: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Kalani Thomas, Hunter Paisami.