New skipper set to lead Queensland Reds in international tour opener

Queensland Reds coach Vern Cotter has gone with a first-time captain for the opening match of their international tour, with backrower John Bryant set to lead the side against Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in a non-cap trial.

Australia A skipper Matt Faessler has been selected in the matchday side, named on the bench along with fellow Wallabies Zane Nonggorr and Aidan Ross. New Reds recruits Izaia Perese, Coby Miln and Cadeyrn Neville will also get their chance in maroon.

Byrant captained the St Laurence’s College First XV to a drought-breaking AIC premiership six years ago. But the openside flanker is now set to lead Queensland, joined in the loose forwards by Tom Robinson and Vaiuta Latu.

Charlie Brosnan joins capped Wallaby Cadeyrn Neville in the second row, while Zac Hough will pack down up front alongside props George Blake and Trevor King. Faessler, Ross and Nonggorr will provide front-row cover off the pine.

In the halves, Tom Lynagh will start at fly-half, joined in the halves by Cooper Stewart. Dre Pakeho will link up with Perese in the centres, with Nicholas Conway and Taione Taka on the wings, and Miln set to start at fullback.

“John has been working hard for us. What we are excited about is that he does have a ceiling to become better on both sides of the ball,” Cotter said.

“Apart from his ball-carrying and defence, he has leadership qualities and we need to build those within the squad. He leads by his actions and he knows the game too.

“This tour is exciting for everyone involved, the Queensland Rugby Union as an organisation, the team, players, staff, everybody.

“We’ve had more time together to practice over the past weeks and now we get to express ourselves in matches.

“The games in Japan will test us in a different way to those in Italy. Our skillset and resilience will be challenged and that preparation on tour will bring us closer together for the start of Super Rugby Pacific early next year.”

The Reds start their tour against the Wild Knights, and will face the same opponent next week in a capped match. Queensland then head to Europe, where they will face an Italy XV and Benetton Rugby to round out the tour.

Queensland Reds to take on Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights