Black Ferns prop starts as Reds aim to show ‘what we are capable of’

Black Ferns prop Tanya Kalounivale will start a regular-season Queensland Reds match for the first time on Saturday afternoon, named at tighthead for a crucial showdown with the Western Force at Wanneroo Rugby Club.

The 29-Test New Zealand international signed with the Reds in mid-May and was part of the round one matchday 23 that faced the ACT Brumbies, with Queensland going down swinging 12-15 in a Brisbane thriller.

Reigning champions the NSW Waratahs, the Fijian Drua and Brumbies have recorded at least one win each during the opening two rounds, while the Reds and Force are 0-1 after both having early-season bye weeks.

Coach Andrew Fraser has made some changes to the starting side, headlined by the inclusion of Kalounivale in the front row. Wallaroo Lori Cramer is also back in the mix, named in the run-on side in the outside backs.

Wallaroos prop Bree-Anna Browne joins Kalounivale in the front row, with hooker Zophronia Setu rounding out that trio. Lucy Thorpe and Vinetu Teutau make up the second rowers, while Deni Ross provides cover off the pine.

Jemma Bemrose will captain Queensland from blindside flanker, with Zoe Hanna packing down on the other side of the scrum. Tiarna Molloy completes the starting forward pack, named at No. 8 for this round three clash.

Sarah Dougherty and Akira Kelly will combine in the halves, while Ava Wereta and Harmony Vatau make up the centre pairing. Piper Flynn and Briana Dascombe are the wingers, and Cramer adds invaluable experience to the backline.

“It was a tough loss and the girls took it hard. I’ll commend the whole squad for the way they’ve applied themselves since,” Fraser said about the loss to the Brumbies.

“The players have talked about proving ourselves but that’s to no one else but themselves.

“There’s a resolve there. The Force are a full-time training program and we are part-time. We are looking forward to turning up and showing what we are capable of.”

The Force have welcomed back Grace Freeman for this match, with the fly-half in line to return more than 450 days after suffering a foot injury against the Fijian Drua. Freeman has been named on the bench for the fixture at Wanneroo Rugby Club.

Queensland Reds to take on Western Force

1. Bree-Anna Browne – Brothers

2. Zophronia Setu – University of Queensland

3. Tanya Kalounivale – GPS

4. Lucy Thorpe – Bond University

5. Vineta Teutau – Brothers

6. Jemma Bemrose (c) – Bond University

7. Zoe Hanna – Bond University

8. Tiarna Molloy – Brothers

9. Sarah Dougherty – GPS

10. Akira Kelly – Bond University

11. Piper Flynn – Easts

12. Ava Wereta – Bond University

13. Harmony Vatau – Sunnybank

14. Briana Dascombe – Easts

15. Lori Cramer – University of Queensland

16. Mary Tuaana – Wests

17. Hayley Glass* – University of Queensland

18. Eva Karpani – Bond University

19. Deni Ross – Brothers

20. Dillyn Blackburn – Wests

21. Evie Sampson – Bond University

22. Aroha Spillane – University of Queensland

23. Kaelyn Passi – Bond University

*Potential Reds debut