Campbell, O'Connor Named For Key Roles Against Wales

Jock Campbell has been named captain and James O'Connor installed at flyhalf in the Queensland Reds side to play Wales on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.

The fervour for the Reds’ first home clash against a national side in 20 years will be measured by the biggest home crowd to watch the Reds in four years.

More than 20,000 fans are expected for the historic clash which will be the first meeting with Wales since 1991 when a young John Eales was in the side that won 35-24.

The Reds have named a starting side boasting 14 players with Super Rugby experience while handing a debut to exciting young Buildcorp Reds Academy and Brothers centre Dre Pakeho.

O’Connor’s inclusion to start at No.10 for the first time this season is a huge plus for the side because he will add the calm direction gained from his 64 Tests.

Lock Josh Canham, outside back Lachie Anderson and former Wallabies prop Matt Gibbon, all recent signings after careers with the Melbourne Rebels, are shaping up for potential Reds debuts off the bench.

Utility back Mason Gordon, who played with the Rebels this year, has been drafted as cover on the bench with Wallabies selections and injuries reducing the available backs.

“I can speak for everyone in the squad when I say this is an awesome opportunity for the Reds and the players involved,” said O’Connor, who played three times off the bench in Super Rugby Pacific this season.

“We are playing a quality national team in what is pretty much a Test match situation.

“I haven’t played much footy this season so I’m really looking forward to this game against a country I’ve enjoyed playing against in the past.”

O’Connor has been paired in the halves with halfback Louis Werchon.

With Tate McDermott on duty with the Wallabies and Kalani Thomas injured, there is an exciting opportunity for Will Cartwright, 21, on the bench.

Cartwright’s speed, form and versatility to play halfback and wing for Brothers was identified by Reds head coach Les Kiss for this match.

Campbell’s elevation to the honour of captain will make him Reds captain #127 across the state’s storied rugby history.

“This is a wonderful honour for Jock, whose experience and leadership is evident around the Reds every week,” Kiss said.

“We’ve said to our guys that this is an opportunity that some never get.

“We’ll go out and back our game. I’ve been in the Test arena a bit myself as an assistant coach against Wales many times.

“They are a special rugby nation so I know these matches put a different demand on you.

“We need to be ready for that. The boys know it is an important game and they are up for it.”
 
Queensland Reds v Wales
Friday 19 July Suncorp Stadium
7:55pm AEST 
Watch live Stan Sport, Replay Channel 9
1.  Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
2.  Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
3.  Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ  
4.  Connor Vest – Souths - Grafton High School - Grafton Junior Rugby Club
5.  Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes  
6.  Seru Uru – Wests, Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
7.  John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
8. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
9. Louis Werchon - Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
10. James O’Connor - Brothers - St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Brothers
11. Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
12: Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School
13. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
14. Floyd Aubrey - GPS - Marist College Ashgrove – GPS
15. Jock Campbell (c) – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders 
  
Reserves:  
16. George Blake - Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
17. Matt Gibbon – Bond University – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Wollongbar Alstonville Rugby Club
18. Massimo De Lutiis – Easts – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Josh Canham – Bond University – Brighton Grammar, Melbourne - Harlequins, Melbourne
20. Connor Anderson – Wests – Brisbane State High School – Everton Park Roosters
21. Will Cartwright – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Brothers
22. Mason Gordon – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College - Wests
23. Lachie Anderson – Eastwood – Oakhill College – Dural Rugby Club