‘Junkyard Dog’ returns as Reds name side for Waratahs derby

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has recalled Tim Ryan to the starting side for this weekend’s clash with the NSW Waratahs in Brisbane. Ryan returns to the run-on side after missing the round four win over the ACT Brumbies in the nation’s capital.

‘The Junkyard Dog’ replaces Lachlan Anderson on the wing, who suffered a serious wrist injury against the Brums last time out. Ryan will line up on the left wing, partnering Filipo Daugunu and Jock Campbell in the outside backs.

Seru Uru is another big-name inclusion in the starting side, with the utility forward set to pack down alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row. Former All Black turned Wallaby Aidan Roos joins Josh Nasser and Zane Nonggorr in the front row.

Reds captain Fraser McReight will link up with Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson and in-form Joe Brial in the loose forwards. Hamish Muller and Vaiuta Latu are among those looking to make a difference off the bench.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Reds

26 - 17

Full-time

Waratahs

All Stats and Data

Louis Werchon retains the starting role at scrum-half yet again, while capped Wallaby Kalani Thomas has been named on the bench. Werchon partners Carter Gordon in the halves, while Isaac Henry and Josh Flook start in the midfield.

“We know how much our fans enjoy the Reds vs Waratahs rivalry and it will be great to see a big turnout,” Kiss said.

“It’s no different for our players. This is a day on the calendar we look forward to.

“The Waratahs have got the better of us on the two occasions we have played them this season. We know the threats they will bring to the game. We have to be thorough in our preparation.”

The Reds have won their last two matches on the bounce, beating the Highlanders 31-14 in Brisbane before overcoming the previously unbeaten Brumbies. Carter Gordon produced some match-winning brilliance in the 82^nd minute to defeat the Brumbies 34-31.

But the Reds did lose their opening-round fixture against the Tahs in Sydney, with Max Jorgensen stealing the show with an electrifying double. With coach Kiss naming a much-changed side for this round five blockbuster.

“Lots of hard work across the whole team got us in position for that result in Canberra and we’ve been back doing the same at training this week,” Gordon explained.

“We’ve still got things to fix and work on for a big week against the Waratahs.

“I’m excited, the boys are excited, for this game. We’ve played them twice this year and we get another crack at them here.

“We’ve had great crowds at Suncorp Stadium when we have played the Waratahs over the past few years. We’re looking forward to our home crowd getting behind us again.

“We’ve had two good results (against the Highlanders and Brumbies) and we want to keep building on that.”

Queensland Reds team to take on NSW Waratahs

1 Aidan Ross – Bond University – Otumoetai College, NZ – Te Puke Sports
2 Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace – Easts
3 Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4 Seru Uru – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths – John Edmondson HS, Sydney – Southern Districts, Sydney
6 Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
7 Fraser McReight (c) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8 Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9 Louis Werchon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
10 Carter Gordon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Wests
11 Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12 Isaac Henry – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Kenmore Bears
13 Josh Flook – Brothers – Nudgee College – Brothers
14 Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank – Dogotuki District School, Fiji
15 Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
Replacements
16 Richie Asiata – Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
17 George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ
19 Hamish Muller – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar – USQ Saints
20 Vaiuta Latu – Brothers – St Peters Lutheran College – Pine Rivers Pumas
21 Kalani Thomas – Souths – Ipswich Grammar – Souths
22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23 Treyvon Pritchard – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Springfield Hawks