Super Rugby AU Line Ups | Reds v Force

July 16, 2020
3135
Ultimate Rugby

Super Rugby Au round three sees the Reds face off against the Western Force while the Waratahs host the Brumbies.

The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting side for tomorrow’s clash against the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium. Lock Angus Blyth has been ruled out with a minor shoulder injury seeing Angus Scott-Young slot into the second row in his first Super Rugby AU start. Following a man-of-the-match performance against the Rebels, Chris Feauai-Sautia also comes into the starting side this week on the wing, as Jock Campbell shifts to fullback.

There are a further four changes to the bench with frontrower Jack Straker and lock Ryan Smith set to potentially make their Super Rugby and Queensland debuts. While prop Dane Zander and outside back Bryce Hegarty have both been named as finishers.

Western Force coach Tim Sampson, meanwhile, has named an unchanged starting XV and made one change amongst the reserves. Lock Ollie Atkins, who returned to Perth in June, has been included on the bench in place of Johan Bardoul. Australian-born Atkins joined the Force from English club Exeter where he spent the past four seasons and was part of the squad that reached four successive Premiership finals.

The two-metre tall lock made two appearances for the Force in the 2012 Super Rugby season before moving to Edinburgh. He also represented Scotland A in 2014. Sampson has kept faith with the players who did duty during last week’s 14-23 loss against the Waratahs and will be looking for a strong performance from his team against the Reds. The Force made a strong start last week and held a comfortable 14-7 lead at half-time. Unfortunately, they faded in the final quarter and allowed the Waratahs back into the game.

What the coaches said:

“Suncorp is a fantastic stadium to play at,” Prior said. “It’ll be special to play in front of family and friends again; I can’t wait to get out there.”

“We have fond memories of Brisbane and Queensland rugby, so to go there and get a win over the Reds would certainly be a nice feeling, it adds a little bit of extra motivation,” - Western Force coach Tim Sampson.

“It’s good to be back home this week.

“We’ve dug deep and come away with points in our last couple of games. We’re building our game and looking for improvement on Friday night.

“It’s great to have the Force back in the competition. They were competitive against the Waratahs in their first hit-out. They’ve got plenty of experience with a few Queenslanders there too. We’re expecting them to be a tough opponent.

“Jack Straker and Ryan Smith have been named in the 23 and could make their debuts. They’ve worked hard in our program and deserve their selection,” - Reds head coach Brad Thorn said:

Line Ups:

The Queensland Reds:

1. Harry Hoopert – Brothers
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank
3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers
4. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
6. Liam Wright – Easts ©
7. Fraser McReight – Brothers
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers
9. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
10. James O’Connor – Brothers
11. Filipo Daugunu – Wests
12. Hamish Stewart – Brothers
13. Hunter Paisami – Wests
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland

Reserves

16. Alex Mafi – Bond University

17. Dane Zander – Norths
18. Jack Straker* – GPS
19. Ryan Smith* – Brothers
20. Tuaina Taii Tualima – GPS
21. Scott Malolua – GPS
22. Josh Flook – Brothers
23. Bryce Hegarty – GPS

The Western Force

1. Angus Wagner

2. Feleti Kaitu’u

3. Kieran Longbottom

4. Jeremy Thrush

5. Fergus Lee Warner

6. Henry Stowers

7. Tevin Ferris

8. Brynard Stander

9. Ian Prior

10. Jono Lance

11. Brad Lacey