The return of 24-Test Wallaby Hunter Paisami is timely for the Queensland Reds as they approach Saturday night’s clash against the Western Force in Perth in Super Rugby Pacific.
The strong-running Paisami has been selected at inside centre where he will replace Isaac Henry, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Melbourne Rebels last Friday night.
Young utility back Taj Annan comes onto the bench to replace Wallaby Jordan Petaia, who is going through the HIA protocols.
Knowing Paisami is back is a reassuring positive for Reds head coach Les Kiss.
“Before being sidelined, Hunter was in top form with his consistently solid performances. He is a plus for us,” Kiss said.
“Our analysis of the Force shows they are playing periods of really good rugby. We played and lost to them in a trial at Ballymore six weeks ago so we know how tough an opponent they will be on their home ground.
“We have to concentrate on our own game to keep our standards high. We know we put ourselves under pressure against the Rebels in the second half last game so there have been areas of our game to work on.
“The guys are a very tight group and this opportunity on the road is another chance to keep improving.”
At flyhalf, Tom Lynagh returns to the starting line-up with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips ready to act as a valuable finisher from the bench.
How difficult it is to win in Perth is reflected by the Reds’ 2022 win reversing previous losses at HBF Park in 2021 and 2017.
Henry faces a six-to-nine month recovery period after undergoing surgery to repair the ruptured patella tendon he sustained against the Rebels in Melbourne.
“Isaac has had his surgery and now knows his pathway. He’s a tough, resilient character who knows how to fightback as we know he will,” Kiss said.
Annan, 20, comes onto the bench for the first time this season after encouraging game time for the Reds Development XV in three games against Easts (Sydney), Souths, Brothers-University of Queensland.
“Like a number of our players, Taj got great value out of the Development XV games. He played in several positions through those games and we consider him really good cover from flyhalf to fullback,” Kiss said.
Annan made his debut for the Reds last season with three starts in the centres amongst his seven appearances.
The Reds sit second on the table with three wins and a loss from their opening four games.
The Reds are playing the second leg of a double-header with the Reds women’s team to meet the Western Force from 4.05pm AEST in Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s.
“It’s fantastic to be having a double-header with the Reds’ women and we’ll be there in support in Perth,” Kiss said.
Saturday 23 March
HBF Park, Perth 6:35pm AEST
Watch live via 9GEM and Stan Sport
1. Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints 3.
Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
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. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland- Epsom College, England – Richmond Rugby Club
11. Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
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. George Blake - Bond University - The Southport School - Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
19. Cormac Daly - Norths – Ul Riada, Ireland – North Kildare/Kilcock GAA, Ireland
20. John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Souths – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Taj Annan – Souths – Brisbane Boys College – Merewether Carlton
