Queensland Reds head coach Simon Craig has made three changes to his starting XV for the team’s Round 3 Buildcorp Super W clash with the Brumbies this Good Friday, 7 April, at Suncorp Stadium.
New Zealand duo Diane Hiini and Carys Dallinger have been named to start in the halves after making their Super W and Queensland debuts last weekend in the Reds win over the Western Force.
Hiini, who hails from Christchurch, starred for Premiership side Matatu throughout their Super Rugby Aupiki season, while Dallinger was the chief playmaker at flyhalf for the Hurricanes Poua.
2022 Selena Worsley Medal (Queensland Premier Rugby Women’s Player of the Year) winner Alana Elisaia will earn her first start of the 2023 season, coming onto the wing in place of Sam Curtis who will shift to the reserves.
The Reds head into their clash with the Brumbies off the back of two bonus point wins, but the team and coaching staff are still striving for improvement.
“We’re happy that we’ve been able to deliver two solid results so far and have put ourselves in a good position in terms of the competition ladder,” said Craig.
“In saying that, there is still plenty for the team to improve on and we want to see this team reach their potential.
“No game this season will be easy, we saw how much the Force have improved last weekend and we’re expecting a tough clash against a strong Brumbies outfit this weekend.
“As well as new players the Brumbies are also under the direction of Wallaroos assistant coach Scott Fava and they will be coming to Suncorp this Friday night hungry for a win.
“We’ve stuck with the same starting forward pack this week, this will be their third straight game together as a pack so it’s pleasing to build some consistency there, but we felt we needed to make some adjustments in the backs.
“In the halves, Carys and Diane helped speed up our play when they came on last week in the second half and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do in the starting XV.
“In the outside backs, Alana has earned her start after some great performances off the bench, while she is dangerous in attack, she brings the same energy in defence.
“This is our second and last double header with the Reds men at Suncorp Stadium this weekend, we hope the Rugby community can come out and support both teams on Good Friday afternoon.”
The Reds clash with the Brumbies kicks off at 4:35pm AEST on Friday, 7 April, tickets for the match are available via Reds.Rugby. The match will also be broadcast LIVE via Stan Sport.
Queensland Reds team to face Brumbies:
- Bree-Anna Cheatham – Wests, St Augustine’s College
- Tiarna Molloy – Easts, Warialda State High School, NSW
- Theresa Soloai – Easts, Holland Park State High School
- Deni Ross – Wests, Oak Hill College
- Annabelle Codey – Easts, Somerville House
- Carola Kreis – Bond University, Columneetza Secondary, Canada
- Shannon Parry (c) – Easts, Moreton Bay College
- Haidee Head – Easts, Loudes Hill College
- Diane Hiini*- University of Canterbury Rugby Club, Ellesmere College
- Carys Dallinger* - Matakesi Rugby Club, Manukura School
- Ivania Wong – Sunnybank, Balmoral State High School
- Cecilia Smith – Sunnybank, Leeton State High School, NSW
- Briana Dascombe – Wests, Fairholme College, Toowoomba
- Alana Elisaia – Wests, Cleveland State High School
- Ellie Draper – Souths, Carmel College
- Cristo Tofa – Ponsonby RC, Henderson Intermediate School, NZ
- Madi Schuck – Easts, Alexandra Hills State High School
- Alapeta Nqauamo – GPS, St James’ College
- Tina Campbell – GPS, St Hilda’s School
- Hana Lane – Wests, West Island School, Hong Kong
- Sarah Lewis – GPS, Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay
- Renae Nona – Sunnybank, Cavendish Road State High School
- Sam Curtis – College Rifles, Waimea College, NZ
*Denotes Queensland and Super W starting debut
