Picking a starting Reds team for round one of Super Rugby Pacific
The Queensland Reds will face the Melbourne Rebels at their favoured killing ground, Suncorp Stadium, on Saturday night in round one of Super Rugby Pacific.
Winning the Super Rugby AU title in 2021, coach Brad Thorn will be keen to assert his side as the premier force in the Australian game.
While they have lost the services of the likes of hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and utility Bryce Hegarty, the squad still remains potent.
A blend of experience in the likes of James O’Connor, Liam Wright and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is coupled with developing professionals such as Dane Zander and Angus Blyth, making the Reds a tough customer to contend with.
This is the side, we think, Thorn will select to launch the Queensland Reds Campaign of 2022.
1. Dane Zander
There is nothing fashionable about this bloke. Nothing at all. But playing professional rugby as a front rower one shouldn’t expect endorsement opportunities from fashion houses de-jour. The ‘why’ he should start for the Queensland Reds is found in his narrative. Yes, he went to the famous Wallabies factory, Nudgee College, but he played in the 3rd XV. Yes, he played in the Brisbane City U19 team, but he made it from the Norths Club, perennial struggles in the Queensland Premier Rugby Competition. Zander’s pathway hasn’t been fashionable, but neither is his style of play. Yet it has become apparent in his 18 Super Rugby appearances that he can play and, above all, has the right mindset to start as the Reds’ loosehead.
2. Alex Mafi
With the departure of Brandon Paenga-Amosa to Europe, now is the time for the 25-year-old to stake his claim on the No 2 jersey. Having been with the Reds program since 2016 and with 60 state caps to his name, the abrasive Bond University rake has the requisite experience to run on for the first whistle.
3. Taniela Tupou
He is the best tighthead prop in Australia, so why not start him? In their recent trial against the Waratahs at Roma, the starting Reds front row, of which Tupou was not one of, were schooled by their rivals. The Reds in recent years have used their scrum as a weapon and have earned the right to consider their scrum as the strongest in the domestic competition. To not play their best available tighthead would destabilise the potency of that weapon and would be foolish. Hence, I can’t see Thorn not selecting Tupou.
4. Angus Blyth
Standing at 205cm, Blyth is one of the tallest men in Australian rugby and that height makes him such an attractive option for a program that prides itself on its set-piece. Yet he also has a fair-sized motor in him and gets through his work off the ball with minimal fuss. The 23-year-old from the Bond University Club will have to work hard to keep off Ryan Smith as the season progresses, but should get one of the starting lock positions.
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Will likely partner Blyth in the locking role largely due to his experience. With over 50 Super Rugby caps and 25 tests for the Wallabies, the 25-year-old is firming up as the old head of the pack, something Thorn will need to relieve pressure off the shoulders of skipper Liam Wright. Like Blyth however, he will have Ryan Smith keeping him honest.
6. Liam Wright
Will start as he is the leader of this Reds team. 2022 will be a seminal year for his international career, however, as he appears to have not pressed his case hard enough to demand Wallabies selection despite his obvious playing and leadership credentials. If he wants to be on the plane to France in 2023, a strong 2022 domestic season, thus forcing selection for the upcoming home series against the touring English, is a given.
7. Fraser McReight
Through his work around the recycle, he affords the rest some genuine pressure in and around the ball. Thorn has the option at selecting a larger pack that would send McReight to the bench, yet the former Australian U20s star is already a point-of-difference player and will have the speed across the park to cause the Melbourne Rebels issues for the full 80.
8. Harry Wilson
Will get the nod as he is arguably the best No 8 in the country, despite being left out of last years Wallabies tour of the Northern Hemisphere. Expect a statement game from him. I am going to predict a man-of-the-match performance already. Yes, I like the Gunnedah product, but it’s not a man crush. I am not competing for his affections with a certain Kiwi coach who was once quoted as saying, “I’ve officially fallen for, have I mentioned, Harry Wilson.” Hello Razor, if you are reading.
9. Tate McDermott
Announced as a Red co-captain for 2022 alongside Wright, the Sunshine Coast product is expected to start this weekend despite missing last weekend’s trial due to illness. In 2021, he had some quality moments for the Reds and Wallabies, and he will no doubt be looking to get out of the gate early to establish himself as Australia’s halfback in 2022. However, he will have some stiff opposition, with Nic White of the Brumbies and Jake Gordon of the Waratahs appearing to be his main rivals.
10. James O’Connor
There is speculation that Jock Campbell may move closer to the action and play more at first receiver, and that may yet transpire during the match, but I still suspect the veteran will still be named as the starting first-five. I recently had the opportunity to hear him speak and he appears to be in a very good space and I expect that to translate into some quality rugby from him.
11. Jordan Petaia
He may yet find a home at fullback, but I think Thorn will start him in a familiar position on the wing. Not his best position in my opinion, I tend to think he plays his best rugby at 13, but how this team is structured for round one, the State High product out of the famous Wests Bulldogs Club in Brisbane will likely start there.
12. Hamish Stewart
Mr Reliable of the Reds backline should start as the second-five. The Toowoomba Grammar old boy, who once played as a flanker, has the right skillset that suits the Reds structures as he is one of the best linking and supporting players in the Australian game. Sadly, these attributes don’t appear to suit the Wallabies systems that appear to have precluded him from higher honours. Perhaps that may chance in 2022?
13. Hunter Paisami
Like McDermott, he missed last weekend’s trial due to illness. I expect him to be named as he simply will provide the ferocity to bend the line in attack, and the same in defending the line as has been his hallmark since rising to prominence in the past couple of seasons. If he is yet to regain full fitness, I anticipate young gun Josh Flook to take his place.
14. Filipo Daugunu
One of the fastest men in the Australian game, he practically picks himself on the wing when fit. 2021 wasn’t his greatest year, more so due to injury, and I expect him to look to start the year with a strong performance.
15. Jock Campbell
I like the idea of him moving into the first receiver duties in time, but I expect him to start the season in his more familiar full back role. At 26, 2022 might be the year the former University of Queensland Colts 2 player might crack the Wallabies squad? What a journey that would have been from his junior club, the Inverell Highlanders.
Comments on RugbyPass
There’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to comments