Harry Wilson overcomes arm problem to be named in Queensland side for finals battle with Crusaders

The Reds are breathing a sigh of relief, with one of their key players fit for the start of the Super Rugby Pacific finals series.

The Reds’ hopes of beating the Crusaders in Friday night’s Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final in Christchurch have been boosted by the availability of Wallabies captain Harry Wilson.

There were fears Queensland’s No.8 would miss the match after being forced off in the closing stages of the Reds’ 52-7 win over Fijian Drua last Saturday after taking a knock to the arm he broke earlier this season.

However, with scans having cleared Wilson, he will start against the Crusaders in a game the Queenslanders must win to remain alive in the finals series.

“It’s really pleasing news for us but more importantly, for Harry,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.

“He’s come through the early part of the week well. He’s a true competitor when it comes to battles against the New Zealand sides and their top back-rows.”

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has been declared fit to start against the Crusaders on Friday night. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Reds' starting pack is unchanged, with flanker Seru Uru failing in his bid to return from a knee injury.

In the backline, winger Filipo Dauganu has been recalled to the top 15 at the expense of the benched Tim Ryan.

“We have had continuity in the pack over the past few weeks and our front-row has been setting a great platform,” Kiss said.

“We have been rotating a bit in the backs. Filipo comes in, and Tim will certainly add his

skills as a finisher.”

Kiss said his side would “relish” the challenge of coming up trumps away from home against the Crusaders.

“The boys are really excited about finals footy,” Kiss said.

“The focus has been there in our preparation as it needs to be to play a well-rounded and dangerous Crusaders side who are very difficult to beat at home.

“In finals footy, playing to the 80th minute is very important. We’ve done that well over the past four weeks or so.

“You also know that at the critical moments, you need the clarity to take them.”

Reds coach Les Kiss says his side will ‘relish’ the challenge of beating the Crusaders. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Confidence is high in the Reds camp after a performance against the Drua that flyhalf Tom Lynagh described as one of Queensland’s most compete performances.

“Hopefully, we get a lot of momentum from that,” Lynagh said.

“When things don’t go our way, it’s making sure you get little wins and stack them to get back momentum.”

The Crusaders bench will include former Reds flyhalf James O’Connor.

Crusaders coach Rob Penney said he “can’t wait to unleash” his team on the Reds.

“We do have a great playoff history at home, but this is a different season, and we need to show up this week,” he said.

Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Dre Pakeho, Tim Ryan.

Crusaders: Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece (c), David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan. Bench: George Bell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Johnny McNicholl.