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Super Rugby Pacific

Les Kiss names 13 Wallabies in strong Reds starting side for Bristol

By Finn Morton

30 Jan 2025

Fraser McReight of the Reds scores a try during the round three Super Rugby Pacific match between Queensland Reds and Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium, on March 09, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has named a formidable 23-man side to take on Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on Friday night, which includes 13 Wallabies in the starting side. This is the first of two matches for the Reds during their UK Tour ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Kicking off at 5:45 am on Saturday AEST, the Reds will come up against an English Premiership contender at an iconic rugby stadium. Bristol are currently second on the Premiership ladder behind only Bath, with the Bears having won seven of their 11 matches so far.

Coach Kiss has named a strong Reds side to take on the Bears, which includes the selection of a bakers dozen of Wallabies such as Australia captain Harry Wilson, world-renowned loose forward Fraser McReight, and skilful halfback Tate McDermott.

McDermott will lead the Reds during heir first pre-season hit out in the northern hemisphere, with the halfback already being named as one of Queensland’s two co-captains for another season along with backrower Liam Wright.

“We’re really excited for the challenge of playing under lights at Ashton Gate. It’s something we’re all incredibly keen for,” co-captain Tate McDermott said in a statement.

“It’s been a hell of a long time since we’ve played Bristol, and to represent Queensland so far away from Suncorp is unique and exciting.”

Former All Black and current Wallaby Alex Hodgman will pack down in the starting front row along with hooker Richie Asiata and tighthead prop Zane Nonggorr. Reds recruit joins Lukhan Salakia Loto in the second-row, who is set to play for the Reds for the first time since 2022.

Seru Uru, McReight and Wilson round out a menacing forward pack.

In the halves, captain McDermott will link with Tom Lynagh, while Wallabies Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook continue to work on their already established combination in Queensland’s midfield.

Filipo Daugunu will wear a Reds jersey for the first time since 2023 after being named on the left wing, while former Melbourne Rebels flyer Lachlan Anderson will start on the right. Wallaby Jock Campbell has been named as the starting fullback.

On the bench, Matt Faessler, Massimo De Lutiis, Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips are players to watch as the Queenslanders look to match it with one of the top teams in the English Premiership at the moment.

“It’s a privilege for us to be representing Queensland on the world stage, and we are excited to show who we are, how we play and what is important to us,” coach Kiss added.

“Challenging ourselves against top quality opposition is the sole reason we are here. That is why we have selected a team to develop combinations, with the intent of growing our game to meet the challenge of Moana Pasifika for our first Super Rugby game in three weeks’ time.”