Reds without Wallabies trio, Jock Campbell set for milestone in Fiji

Wallabies fly-half Carter Gordon, Fraser McReight and Zane Nonggorr will miss this weekend’s match between the Queensland Reds and Fijian Drua, with coach Les Kiss explaining, “it’s part of the process of having regeneration weeks for players.”

Those three are unavailable, prompting changes to matchday 23, including a potential bench debut for Flying Fijians pivot Ben Volavola. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips returns to the run-on side at fly-half in the absence of Gordon.

This looms as a milestone appearance for fullback Jock Campbell, who is set to play his 100^th match for Queensland. Campbell has previously captained Queensland against Wales and the British & Irish Lions, and has represented the Wallabies.

Campbell’s impressive start to the season was a talking point out of the round five win over the NSW Waratahs in Brisbane. The fullback set up Harry Wilson for the opener and played a key role in Gordon’s first try of the contest during the second half.

“It’s definitely an honour. For me, the biggest thing is making sure I play my part in strong team performances,” the humble Campbell said.

“I guess one aspect is passing on some of my experience. I’ve spoken to a few of the young guys in the squad about playing in Fiji and being prepared for the conditions and the crowd.”

Campbell joins Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan and Filipo Daugunu in the outside backs, while Hunter Paisami joins Isaac Henry in the midfield. Kalani Thomas has been named in the First XV for the first time this season, joining McLaughlin-Phillips in the halves.

Former All Black turned Wallaby Aidan Ross starts at loosehead prop, packing down alongside Josh Nasser and Nick Bloomfield up front. Seru Uru and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto round out the tight five as the two starting locks.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

24

28

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

80%

John Bryant will wear the No. 7 jersey in the absence of McReight, who has captained the Reds in every match so far this season. Joe Brial lines up at openside flanker, and Harry Wilson will lead the team from No. 8.

“It’s part of the process of having regeneration weeks for players. Fraser, Carter and Zane will miss this game,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss explained.

“This creates opportunities for prop Nick Bloomfield and backrower John Bryant, who have both played in our three Development games. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has played for us in every game this season and will start this one at flyhalf.”

This round six clash at Lautoka’s Churchill Park will get underway at 1:35 pm AEDT on Saturday afternoon.

“The Drua have had back-to-back wins at home in good fashion. They’ve certainly grown their game and we know they have dangerous players across the pitch. We expect a massive challenge,” the coach added.

Queensland Reds to take on Fijian Drua

1. Aidan Ross – Bond University – Otumoetai College, NZ – Te Puke Sports
2. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Easts
3. Nick Bloomfield – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
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. John Bryant – Souths – St Laurence’s College – Souths
8. Harry Wilson (c) – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Kalani Thomas – Souths – Ipswich Grammar – Souths
10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland – Manukau Rovers
13. Isaac Henry – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Kenmore Bears
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. Louis Werchon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
22. Ben Volavola* – Sunnybank – Newington College – Seaforth Raiders, Sydney
23. Treyvon Pritchard – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Springfield Hawks
* Potential Queensland Reds debut