Queensland Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu set to torment New Zealand rivals

Having made a solid return from a hamstring injury, Queensland Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu looms as a giant threat to New Zealand teams.

The Queensland Reds are ready to unleash Suliasi Vunivalu on New Zealand opposition.

The former Melbourne Storm NRL premiership-winning winger made his first appearance of the Super Rugby Pacific season in the Reds’ 36-32 win over the Melbourne Rebels last Friday night.

Vunivalu lasted 50 minutes in his solid return from a serious hamstring injury.

With that run under his belt, Vunivalu is poised to step up a gear when the Reds meet the Hurricanes on Saturday night in Melbourne as part of Super Round.

The round is also the first time this season teams in the Australian section of the competition will lock horns with sides from the New Zealand section.

Suliasi Vunivalu looms as a key weapon for the Queensland Reds. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“He always makes an impact wherever he goes,” Reds centre Hamish Stewart said of Vunivalu.

“He’s a quality player and he’s a freak, so it’s good to have him back in the team.

“He’s an elite player in the air, and we’ll look to utilise that against the Kiwis.

“We’re looking forward to exposing him against some of their smaller blokes, and letting him run over a few people.”

Stewart said the Reds, who have won seven from eight in an impressive start to the season, would adjust their tactics accordingly against teams from New Zealand.

“We started the year playing the Aussie teams, which is a different format of rugby, and moving into the Kiwis, it’s an upbeat tempo and we’re looking for the quick taps, so everyone has to be on their toes ready for that. We’re ready to bounce into them.”