Queensland Reds vs ACT Brumbies: Super Rugby Pacific live scores, blog

James O’Connor was dropped to the bench and Suli Vunivalu missed out altogether as Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn looked to address his team’s form slump ahead of the clash against the ACT Brumbies in Brisbane. Join The Roar for live updates from 7.35pm AEST.

Lawson Creighton is given an opportunity at fly-half while 22-year-old prop Phransis Sula-Siaosi will start for the first time alongside Peni Ravai and Matt Faessler in the front-row.

Zane Nonggorr will come off the bench.  Lock Angus Blyth meanwhile returns to the starting side after making his comeback from injury against the Crusaders and forms a second-row combination alongside Seru Uru. The second-row pair re-signed with the Reds on Wednesday through until 2025.

Blyth’s return sees Ryan Smith drop to the bench.

The matchup against the Brumbies is a big one for a few reasons.

Not only is Thorn’s side hanging on in the top eight in eighth position. They also face the more difficult task of having to prepare to face Moana Pasifika at Apia Park for the first time a week later.

But it also comes just days after only four Reds were selected in Jones’ squad, with Harry Wilson and Tate McDermott amongst the big omissions.

“We face the Brumbies for the second time this season and they’ve proven to be one of the form teams in the competition,” Thorn said.

“We get another chance to play in front of our home crowd. We’re looking forward to seeing them there on Friday night for what should be a good contest.

“Phransis has made good contributions coming from the bench and he’s earned an opportunity to have his first start. He’s another guy who has made his way to the Reds through club rugby which is great to see and he’s impressed us with his work around the park.”

But it’s via the bench that Larkham has some added punch to finish the game.

One-cap Wallaby hooker Billy Pollard returns for the first time this year after a couple of injuries, while alongside Test lock Darcy Swain returns after missing the past few weeks.

The Brumbies have typically struggled in Brisbane and survived a late rally against the Reds in Canberra earlier this year, but Larkham isn’t taking his Australian rivals for granted in what shapes as ultra competitive top five in this year’s Super Rugby competition.

The match also sees Cadeyrn Neville bring up his 50th match for the Brumbies, with the veteran Wallaby previously playing for the Reds and Rebels in what has been a remarkable journey.

“We’re pleased to be in a position to pick a settled team this week and to be able to bring Billy and Darcy back onto the bench,” Larkham said. 

“It’s always a special game for us against the Reds up in Brisbane, we’ve got Nev’s 100th as well so there’s a buzz in the group and we’re looking forward to the challenge against a really good side.”

Game Information

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 7:35pm (AEST)
Streaming: Stan Sport

Betting: Reds $2.55, Brumbies $1.52- odds via PlayUp

Teams

Reds (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Isaac Henry
Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell.

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Taj Annan.

Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville,  Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright 

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O’Donnell