The Queensland Reds have installed Harry McLaughlin-Phillips at flyhalf for Friday night’s clash against Moana Pasifika in Whangarei in Super Rugby Pacific.
McLaughlin-Phillips steps up at No.10 in one of four changes to the match-day 23 for the Reds’ first match in New Zealand this season.
Wallabies winger Suliasi Vunivalu comes into the starting side while former All Blacks prop Alex Hodgman and experienced lock Angus Blyth both make returns on the bench.
“Harry deserves a start and we freshen up Tom (Lynagh). We are fortunate with our stocks at No.10 but also aware of the player management needed over a long season,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.
“Both are getting invaluable experience and playing plenty of minutes. Lawson (Creighton) has positive time under his belt as well and gives us versatility on the bench.
“Suli returns on the wing. Again, we have given consideration to player management with Mac, who has played a lot of minutes and will give us his flair in the back end of the game.”
Lynagh's game off is consistent with McLaughlin-Phillips being spelled for the recent match against the ACT Brumbies.
Kiss said the match against Moana Pasifika is an exciting challenge for the team.
“I see an opposition team with enormous experience through Tana Umaga, Stephen Jones and Tom Coventry on the coaching staff and the likes of Christian Lealiifano, Julian Savea and Sekope Kepu in the playing squad,” Kiss said.
“This is a real challenge and an exciting one against a physical team with a lot of strikepower.”
The return of Kiwi Hodgman after a four-game injury absence is a plus considering his vast experience playing Super Rugby in New Zealand for the Blues and Crusaders.
“The return of Alex is a massive bonus. He worked really hard on his rehab and his local experience in NZ conditions is an asset to the squad,” Kiss said.
“Angus Blyth has got his match time up after a long rehab. He played Premier Rugby for Bond University last weekend and he gives us fresh energy at lock. Cormac Daly has gained unbelievable experience as a regular contributor for us at lock and he will freshen up in this week off.”
Friday 12 April Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei
5:05pm AEST
Watch live on 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. Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
5. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6. Liam Wright (cc) – 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. Tate McDermott (cc) - University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Souths-Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
11. Jordan Petaia - Wests - Brisbane State High School
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College - Brothers
14. Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace-Easts
17. Alex Hodgman – Sunnybank – Mount Albert Grammar School, Auckland – Suburbs Rugby Football Club, Auckland
18. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
20. John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
22. Lawson Creighton - Brothers - Padua College
23. Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
