Tate McDermott and Suliasi Vunivalu return to Reds starting side for clash with Brumbies

“Stupid” penalties are proving costly for a Queensland Reds side keen to avoid back-to-back Super Rugby Pacific losses.

Suliasi Vunivalu has been recalled to the Queensland Reds line-up. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Reds coach Brad Thorn has responded to his side’s disappointing loss to Melbourne Rebels by making four changes to Queensland’ starting team for Friday night’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium.

Coming into the starting 15 are halfback and co-captain Tate McDermott, winger Suliasi Vunivalu. centre Isaac Henry and prop Peni Ravai.

Dropping to the bench are half Kalani Thomas and front-rower Dane Zander. Centre Hunter Paisami is injured, while winger Filipo Daugunu has gone from starting to being entirely left out of the Reds’ 23-man squad.

The Reds’ 40-34 loss to the Rebels at AAMI Park last Saturday night was their third defeat in five matches this season, with the Queenslanders having fallen to sixth on the ladder.

The Crusaders are four points ahead of the Reds, having won three from five.

“The Crusaders are one of the world’s best teams and have been for a long time. We look forward to the challenge this Friday night,” Thorn said.

Suliasi Vunivalu will return for the Reds on Friday night. Picture: AFP/William West

Flanker Fraser McReight will make his 50th appearance for Queensland.

“It’s great to see Fraser bring up his 50th Queensland cap. It’ll be a special occasion for him in front of his friends and family at Suncorp Stadium,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said.

McReight called on the Reds to improve their discipline.

“It is frustrating,” McReight said.

“The discipline is a constant thing we talk about.

“The past two weeks, a lot of the penalties have just been stupid, and they’ve been totally in our control.

“If we are able to eradicate the stupid penalties on our end, it’s going to make it a lot easier for refs to make those 50-50 calls land on out side.”

Reds: Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivlu, Jock Campbell. Bench: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Angus Blyth, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Taj Annan, Mac Grealy.