Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Harry Wilson and James O’Connor return to the Reds’ starting XV

By Finn Morton
(Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Wallabies Harry Wilson and James O’Connor will return to the Queensland Reds’ starting side when they take on the Highlanders in a crunch clash on Friday night.

ADVERTISEMENT

Make no mistake, this is a must-win match for both teams. The Highlanders currently sit just outside the top eight in ninth, while the Reds sit in seventh.

But that it can all change this weekend. Only four competition points separate the trans-Tasman rivals, and including this week there’s only two rounds left in the regular season.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

Finals are practically within reach for the Reds, but they’ll want to get the job done in Dunedin – and they’ve called upon some talented reinforcements.

As well as Wilson and O’Connor, Reds coach Brad Thorn has also named rising star Tom Lynagh in the No. 10 jersey for the first time since round 10. In total, the Reds have made six changes to the first XV.

“It’s an important game on Friday night with both sides pushing towards finals. We expect it to be a quality contest,” Thorn said in a statement.

“The Highlanders are always a strong opposition with some great players and passionate fans in Dunedin.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We’re pleased to welcome Hunter back. He’s been working hard and will bring impact as a finisher.”

Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr will pack down in the front row, while Angus Blyth and Connor Vest make up the rest of the tight five.

Related

The Reds have named a familiar looking backrow this week, with Liam Wright and Fraser McReight both named on the flanks – Wilson will start at the back of the scrum.

As for the backline, Wallaby Tate McDermott will look to continue his promising form when he lines up in the halves alongside Tom Lynagh.

ADVERTISEMENT

The pair will look to get the most out of an exciting backline, which includes another rising star in Mac Grealy on the left wing.

James O’Connor will start at inside centre, and will combine with Josh Flook in the midfield. Wallabies Suliasi Vunivalu and Jock Campbell have also been named in the run-on side.

On the bench, Hunter Paisami has been named for his first match since recovering from a medial ligament injury.

This match is set to get underway at 5.05pm AEST on Friday at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Reds team to take on Highlanders

  1. Peni Ravai
  2. Matt Faessler
  3. Zane Nonggorr
  4. Angus Blyth
  5. Connor Vest
  6. Liam Wright
  7. Fraser McReight
  8. Harry Wilson
  9. Tate McDermott
  10. Tom Lynagh
  11. Mac Grealy
  12. James O’Connor
  13. Josh Flook
  14. Suliasi Vunivalu
  15. Jock Campbell

Replacements:

  1. Richie Asiata
  2. Dane Zander
  3. Sef Fa’agase
  4. Jake Upfield
  5. Seru Uru
  6. Kalani Thomas
  7. Lawson Creighton
  8. Hunter Paisami
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

B
Bull Shark 21 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically. I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

25 Go to comments
FEATURE
FEATURE Storm clouds gather over Biarritz with owner poised to bail out Storm clouds gather over Biarritz with owner poised to bail out
Search