Team Announcement: Moana Pasifika vs Queensland Reds

April 12, 2023
1978
Ultimate Rugby

The Queensland Reds have confirmed their matchday-23 for this Friday night’s historic Super Rugby Pacific Round 8 clash against Moana Pasifika in Samoa.

Head coach Brad Thorn has made seven changes to his starting side, with Samoa’s Apia Park set to host Moana Pasifika for the first time.

Jake Upfield will make his Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific starting debut at blindside flanker, with skipper Liam Wright ruled out with a hand injury, while James O'Connor will run on at inside centre in place of Isaac Henry who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Suliasi Vunivalu returns to the starting side on the wing, as do props Sef Fa’agase and Zane Nonggorr, with Jordan Petaia celebrating his 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap.

Connor Vest and Ryan Smith make for a new-look lock combination as the Reds look to snap a three-game losing streak on Friday afternoon.

Matt Faessler will start at hooker alongside Fa’agase and Nonggorr, with Fa’agase making his return from suspension.

Queensland will take on Moana Pasifika at 2:05pm AEST on Friday.

Moana Pasifika v Queensland Reds, Friday 14 April, Apia Park, Samoa, 2:05pm AEST.
Watch Live on Stan Sport.

Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
Connor Vest – University of Queensland – Grafton High School – Grafton Junior Rugby Club
Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
Jake Upfield* – The Southport School
Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
Tate McDermott – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
Lawson Creighton – Brothers – Padua College
Jordan Petaia** – Wests – Brisbane State High School
James O'Connor – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
Phransis Sula-Siaosi – Souths – St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Lopeti Faifua – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
Connor Anderson – Brisbane State High School – Everton Park Roosters
Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club
Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba

*denotes Queensland and Super Rugby starting debut
**denotes 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap

Moana Pasifika

Moana Pasifika Head Coach Aaron Mauger has made a number of tactical and forced changes in the face injuries to key players to the side that will face the Reds.

Isi Tu’ungafasi will make his debut start for Moana Pasifika where he’ll line up alongside Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Manono, Vaimoso, Mo’otutua) and Samiuela Moli in the front row.

Mike McKee comes into the second row, replacing the injured Samuel Slade, to form the locking duo with Michael Curry.

The signing of the season for Moana Pasifika comes in the form of blindside Miracle Faiilagi.

Faiilagi will be joined in the loose forwards by captain Solomone Funaki, who has been the consistent leader for Moana Pasifika all season, and lining up for his 2023 debut, Niko Jones (Moata’a, Safune. Leone) comes in to the starting XV to complete the loose trio.

Moana Pasifika v Reds

Friday 14^th April
Apia Park Stadium
Gates open 3.30pm
Kick off 5:05pm Apia time (4.05pm NZT, 2.05pm AEST)