Former All Black set to debut for Queensland Reds in clash with Lions

Former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross will debut for the Queensland Reds on Wednesday evening when they take on the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane. Ross played in the Super Rugby Pacific Final earlier this month and is set to make an immediate impact with his new club.

While Ross didn’t get a fairytale finish with the Chiefs, who were beaten 16-12 by the Crusaders in a dramatic decider on June 21, the Wallabies-eligible front-rower has wasted no time by impressing Reds coach Les Kiss in “several sessions.”

The one-Test All Black has been named in the run-on side at loosehead prop ahead of the Reds’ mid-week clash with the Lions at Suncorp Stadium. In the corresponding fixture 12 years ago, the Reds outscored the Lions two tries to one but were beaten by the boot of Owen Farrell.

Rassie Erasmus wants Boks’ attack to improve

Rassie Erasmus wants Boks’ attack to improve

Ross joins another former All Black, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, in Queensland’s front row. Wallaby Matt Faessler has also been released to play in this historic showdown, with the 26-year-old named in the starting side at hooker.

Wallabies fullback Jock Campbell will lead the Queenslanders against the prestigious touring side, having captained the Reds about 12 months ago against Warren Gatland’s in another enthralling international showdown – the Welsh snatching it late, winning by one point.

“Excitement is high that’s for sure,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.

“If you look at history, it’s a unique and special group as Queensland players and coaches who get the chance against a Lions team.

“It’s a one-off match but we’ve had a line of sight with their games against Argentina and the Western Force.

“They are an incredibly good and talented team. They have taken on some of the DNA of the Irish team and I’d like to welcome (Head Coach) Andy Farrell, (assistant coach) Simon Easterby and their other coaches.

“In this match, we have to be very good at the breakdown and aerially. They’ve shown their attacking side too.

“We have to meet those challenges but we’ll put our brand of rugby out there as well. We’ll keep backing ourselves.

“Why can’t we put our best foot forward, rip in and see what happens?”

Josh Canham joins Wallaby Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row, while the loose forwards are made up of Seru Uru, John Bryant and Joe Brial. The Reds have named three locks on their bench, with Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth and Connor Vest set to provide impact.

In the backs, Kalani Thomas will join Harry McLaughlin=-Phillips in a young halves pairing, while Wallaby Hunter Paisami adds experience to the backline at inside centre. Another Wallaby, Josh Flook, will link up with Paisami in the midfield.

Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan gets a start on the left wing, with Lachie Anderson on the right, and captain Campbell rounds out the First XV at fullback. On the bench, Isaac Henry is in line for his first minutes off the season in the No. 23 jumper.

“Aidan [Ross] had several sessions with us last week straight off the Super Rugby Pacific final. He showed quickly how professional he is,” Kiss added.

“This is a great opportunity for our Reds players and staff. As an organisation, we have sought out extra playing opportunities against Wales, Tonga, the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, Bristol and Ulster during my time with the club to develop against different styles of rugby.

“Wednesday night will be an impressive spectacle for rugby fans and a night for everyone to enjoy.”

This match at Suncorp Stadium is set to get underway at 8:00 pm on Wednesday.

Queensland Reds to take on British & Irish Lions

1. Aidan Ross – TBC – Otumoetai College, Tauranga, NZ
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ
4. Josh Canham – Bond University – Brighton Grammar, Melb – Harlequins RC, Melb
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths – John Edmondson HS, Sydney – Southern Districts, Sydney
6. Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
7. John Bryant – Souths – St Laurence’s College – Souths
8. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
9. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland – Manukau Rovers
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – Nudgee College – Brothers
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland – Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Jock Campbell (c) – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
Reserves:
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace – Easts
17. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
19. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
20. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
21. Connor Vest – Souths – Grafton High School – Grafton Junior RC
22. Louis Werchon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
23. Isaac Henry – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Kenmore Bears