Wallabies captain Harry Wilson returns for Reds’ clash with Hurricanes

For the first time since April 4, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will line up for the Queensland Reds when they host the Hurricanes in a high-stakes clash on Friday. With the fourth-placed Reds taking on the fifth-placed Canes, this match will have a big say on the playoff race.

With a new finals format allowing for a lucky loser, whoever finishes fourth could very well get a second chance in the playoffs. If the top three teams – Brumbies, Chiefs and Crusaders – all win their qualifying finals, then the fourth-placed side will move on even if they lose.

That’s what makes the return of Wilson so significant for the Reds. Wilson has been sidelined with a small forearm fracture that has kept the backrower out of fifth games, dating back to a clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton in early April.

Wilson joins Reds vice-captain Fraser McReight and Joe Brial in a talented backrow trio, while John Bryant will look to provide impact off the bench. While the Canes have lost Brayden Iose for the season, they have multiple world-class loose forwards to choose from themselves.

“It’s exciting to be back and ready to get into it again,” Wilson said in a statement.

“For the Reds and ‘Canes, there is a lot to play for on Friday night because top four is where you want to be entering finals.

“The ‘Canes have one of the best-performing backrows in the comp. That’s something we have always prided ourselves on at the Reds as well.

“Even with guys out at various times, one of our strengths this season has been the next guy up not just playing but performing. Guys like Joe Brial and the other ‘JB’, John Bryant, have stepped up and will have important roles for the backrow on Friday night.”

Also in the forwards, Sef Fa’agase will pack down alongside Richie Asata and Zane Nonggorr in the front row. Josh Canham and Ryan Smith round out the staring tight five as the locking duo, while the likes of Angus Blyth will look to provide impact off the bench.

Captain Tate McDermott will link up with Wallaby Tom Lynagh in the halves, while Hunter Paisami and Dre Pakeho line up in the midfield. On the wings, Filipo Daugunu starts on the left edge while Lachie Anderson will wear the No. 14. Jock Campbell is the starting fullback.

“Harry has been a complete pro with the way he has worked hard to be supremely fit while in our rehab group,” coach Less Kiss added.

“We know the influence he has around the team. Backrow is a really competitive space for us. We have Harry coming in for John Bryant, who was our Player of the Match against the Brumbies last weekend. JB will be a strong factor to have off the bench on Friday.

“Tom Lynagh returns after a week off going through the HIA protocols. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips had a strong game against the Brumbies and his opportunity will come as a finisher against the Hurricanes.

“Every game is important and that counts for both teams on Friday night. The Hurricanes and Reds both play a great brand of rugby and playing out the 80 minutes is a quality we thrive at.”

This match at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will get underway at 7:35 pm on Friday evening.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

21

38

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Queensland Reds to take on Hurricanes

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. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
7. Fraser McReight (vc) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (c) – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Flinders RC
10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
11. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank – Dogotuki District School, Fiji
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland – Manukau Rovers
13. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Pine Rivers Pumas
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland – Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
Reserves:
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace – Easts
17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ
18. Trevor King* – Souths- Downlands College – Gladstone Goats
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20. John Bryant – Souths – St Laurence’s College – Souths
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe