The return of Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight is one of four changes to the Queensland Reds’ starting side for Saturday’s clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The in-form forward’s return means a key addition for the Round 11 match in Super Rugby Pacific.
Elsewhere in the pack, Fijian international Peni Ravai returns to the starting front-row while Wallaby Zane Nonggorr is a fresh reserve prop for the bench.
In the backline, the experienced Lawson Creighton will have his first start at flyhalf for 2024 in place of Tom Lynagh, who is unavailable with a hamstring twinge.
On the wing, Tim Ryan retains his place after his breakout three-try performance against the Blues last weekend. Mac Grealy returns from a week off for load management. This means that Suliasi Vunivalu, who has played more minutes than any other Reds winger this season, will play off the bench in Christchurch.
“The Crusaders have great pride in their jersey and who they represent,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.
“Parts of our game have grown in every match. We have confidence in the things that work for us and we’ll stay rock solid to those.
“We are going to one of the great places in the world to play rugby and we will take on the challenge.
“Lawson is a very well-organised player with a strong kicking game. We are very comfortable with him leading from No.10 with Tom managing a slight hamstring injury.
“We have Harry (McLaughlin-Phillips) to get involved from the bench.
“Tim Ryan put forward a compelling case to start again after his performance against the Blues.
“Mac returns and Suli’s involvement will be from the bench this week.
“We welcome back Fraser which is fantastic. In his two games away, we saw John Bryant really step up as a starter and there was impressive recognition too for Joe Brial. Joe will return to club rugby on Saturday with those debut games behind him.”
Kiss also saluted in-form centre Hunter Paisami, who will reach the 50-game milestone for the Reds in Christchurch after making his debut in 2020.
“Hunter has been exceptional for us. It’s the way he has grown his game,” Kiss said.
“He obviously carries hard but he’s also showing his skill at first and second receiver. His kicking has been impeccable and he’s also leading from the front with his experience.”
Saturday 4 May Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
2:35pm AEST
Watch live Stan Sport
1. Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
4. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
5. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
6. Liam Wright (c) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts
7. Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
10. Lawson Creighton - Brothers - Padua College
11. Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Brothers
14. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland - St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace - Easts
17. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
18. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Connor Vest – Souths - Grafton High School - Grafton Junior Rugby Club
20. John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
21. Louis Werchon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Souths-Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
