Wallabies captain Harry Wilson gets new role with Queensland Reds

After captaining Australia for the first time last year, Wallaby Harry Wilson will lead Queensland in a Super Rugby Pacific match when the Reds take on the Highlanders under the roof at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Wilson hasn’t led the Reds before but has long been considered a leader, which has been clear for all to see in various appearances over the years. Coach Les Kiss has recognised Wilson as captain material, with the backrower set to become the 129^th captain of Queensland.

With Tate McDermott, Liam Wright and Fraser McReight not travelling to New Zealand’s South Island, Wilson steps up to the plate as the Reds chase their first win in Dunedin in quite some time.

Toutai Kefu, John Roe and Scott Higginbotham have all made their mark at No. 8’s who have led Queensland during rugby union’s professional era, with Wilson not set to join that legendary list of players in the sixth round of Super Rugby Pacific

“I feel very privileged to be able to captain Queensland,” Wilson said in a statement.

“I’ve always liked to lead in my own way and help the team in any way I can. It just happens I’ll have the ‘C’ next to my name this week.

“A week later I’ll probably be back to my normal role.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

25

26

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

“I definitely feel more relaxed in this captaincy situation because of the Wallabies experiences I had last year. I just want to really enjoy this with a squad that has the opportunity to go to new Zealand and get a win in a city where we haven’t done so for 12 years.”

Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asita and Zane Nonggorr are the three front rowers, while Josh Canham and Angus Blyth round out the tight five as the two locks. Seru Uru, John Bryant and captain Wilson round out the forwards as the three loosies.

Bryant comes into  the run-on side in place of injured Wallaby McReight.

54-game regular Kalani Thomas comes into the Reds’ starting side for McDermott who is being game-managed along with lock Ryan Smith. Thomas will partner Tom Lynagh in an exciting halves combination.

Hunter Paisami and Filipo Daugunu have been retained in the midfield, while Tim Ryan and Lachie Anderson will line up on the wings. Keep an eye out for fullback Heremaia Murray, who scored a well-worked try against the NSWW Waratahs last time out.

“There’s going to be some really rowdy students in the stands under the roof. It’ll be a good atmosphere and a challenge to enjoy,” coach Kiss explained.

“We have a game we think we can win. We just have to put it on the park with the balance we have been working on.

“Harry has been part of our leadership group from the start this season and his presence in the locker room makes him the ideal man for the captaincy this week.

“Guys like John Bryant and Joe Brial step up for us with lots of qualities and Lukhan is a massive addition who will add leadership as well.”

This match under the roof in Dunedin is set to kick off at 1:35 pm AEST on Saturday.

Queensland Reds to take on Highlanders

1. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Richie Asiata – Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Josh Canham – Bond University – Brighton Grammar, Melb – Harlequins RC, Melb
5. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
6. Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
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 – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
13. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank – Dogotuki District School, Fiji
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland – Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC
15. Heremaia Murray – TBC – Auckland Grammar – Te Rarawa RC, NZ
Replacements:  
16. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
17. Alex Hodgman – Sunnybank – Mt Albert Grammar, Auckland – Suburbs RFC, Auck
18. Massimo De Lutiis – Wests – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths – John Edmondson HS, Sydney
20. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
21. Louis Werchon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School