The St.George Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s final round of the 2021 Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU regular season against the Western Force in Perth.
Queensland will be bolstered by the inclusion of three Australian Test stars with skipper Liam Wright, enforcer Hunter Paisami and Fijian flyer Filipo Daugunu all returning to the starting side.
After making his return from injury via the bench in Round 8 against the Brumbies, Wright will resume the captaincy duties at openside flanker seeing Angus Scott-Young shift to the secondrow.
Paisami has overcome a minor calf injury and slots straight back in at outside centre, while Filipo Daugunu will start on the left wing.
The trio’s promotion into the XV sees Ryan Smith and Josh Flook as finishers with Ilaisa Droasese recalled into the 23 for Friday’s match at HBF Park.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “We’re looking forward to travelling west for Friday’s game in Perth.
“It’ll be a good challenge against the Force. They’re coming off a good win and will have a big crowd there. They’re playing for a spot in the finals and both sides will be putting it all out there.
“Liam will start this week for the first time this season and will resume the captaincy. Special mention to James who has proudly led this group for the past seven matches - he’s done a great job,” said Thorn.
The Reds will be aiming for an eighth-straight victory to remain unbeaten in 2021.
Queensland play the Force on Friday night at 7:45pm AEST and will be broadcast live and ad-free on Stan Sport.
The Reds have already booked a home Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 8 May following their win over the Brumbies a fortnight ago to secure top spot on the table. Tickets for the decider go on sale to the general public at 9am AEST on Tuesday 27 April.
