Queensland Reds head coach Brad Thorn has made four changes to his starting XV for this Friday night’s Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific Round 6 clash against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium.
Fijian international Peni Ravai will make his starting debut at loosehead prop and co-captain McDermott will start, while Suliasi Vunivalu will return to the side on the wing.
Isaac Henry will run-on in the number-12 jersey in place of the injured Hunter Paisami, with Fraser McReight set to celebrate his 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap as Angus Blyth makes his return from injury via the bench.
Thorn said: “The Crusaders are one of the world’s best teams and have been for a long time. We look forward to the challenge this Friday night.
“It’s great to see Fraser bring up his 50th Queensland cap. It’ll be a special occasion for him in front of his friends and family at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’re pleased to see Angus return to the team. He’s worked hard to get fit and will bring a lot to our forward pack.”
Ravai is the sole change to the Reds forward pack and will start alongside Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr in the front row.
Ryan Smith and Seru Uru start at lock, with co-captain Liam Wright, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson continuing their partnership in the backrow.
McDermott returns to the run-on team to partner James O’Connor, who will link up with Henry in the midfield.
Josh Flook starts at outside centre fresh from his third brace of the year, which saw him become the first Queensland player to score three doubles in a season since Chris Latham in 2002.
Vunivalu returns on the wing in place of Filipo Daugunu, with Jock Campbell and Jordan Petaia running on at fullback and wing respectively.
Blyth will make his return from a syndesmosis injury from the bench, with UQ outside back Mac Grealy also back in the 23.
The Queensland Super W side will kick off Friday night’s double header when they take on the Western Force at 4:05pm, before the Reds face the Crusaders at 6:35pm. Buy tickets via https://bit.ly/3JJz9UV.
- Peni Ravai* – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
- Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
- Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
- Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
- Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
- Liam Wright (cc) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
- Fraser McReight** – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
- Harry Wilson*** – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
- Tate McDermott – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
- James O’Connor – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
- Jordan Petaia – Wests – Brisbane State High School
- Isaac Henry – Wests – Brisbane Boys College – Kenmore Bears
- Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
- Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
- Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
- Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
- Dane Zander – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Albany Creek Brumbies
- Phransis Sula-Siaosi – Souths – St Joseph’s Nudgee College
- Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
- Jake Upfield – Bond University – The Southport School
- Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
- Taj Annan – Souths – Brisbane Boys College – Merewether Carlton
- Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
*denotes Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific starting debut **denotes 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap ***denotes 50th Super Rugby cap
