Reds axe Vunivalu, bench O'Connor for Brumbies

James O’Connor has been benched by the Queensland Reds in favour of third-choice playmaker Lawson Creighton, while Suliasi Vunivalu has been axed from the side to face the ACT Brumbies.
The pair paid the price for their off-colour showings in last Friday’s loss to the Crusaders, with Vunivalu’s demotion coming in the same week he was included in Eddie Jones’ first Wallabies training squad.
With 19-year-old five-eighth Tom Lynagh still exhibiting concussion symptoms, Reds coach Brad Thorn has called up Creighton for the first time this season to take on the Brumbies on Friday night.
O’Connor was replaced as first-choice kicker by Isaac Henry last week and was poor generally off the boot against the Crusaders, while Vunivalu laboured in a display that appeared lacking in confidence after a spate of hamstring injuries.
The Reds are 2-4 while the Brumbies (5-1) are third overall and the best-placed Australian outfit.
Meanwhile, second-rowers Angus Blyth and Seru Uru have both signed two-year extensions with the Reds, following Lynagh’s commitment to the club until 2025 earlier in the week.
QUEENSLAND REDS: Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Liam Wright (cc), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (cc), Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell. BENCH: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Taj Annan.
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Their rise up to potential prem was interesting to follow, sad news. RFU needs a complete overhaul of operations. Maybe getting involved with part ownerships. An anglo-welsh league could generate more interest and revenue. But the financial climate right now is challenging for rugby.
Go to commentsUruguay were not that great in this one. But had enough to win. Forwards need to do more, to many mistakes and kicking game needs to improve. Namibia played well, their mistakes hurt them more. Some of Uruguay's players need top level exposure, Amaya, Deus, and Aliaga would be great talents for any clubs in super rugby or Europe to pick up.
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