The Queensland Reds are determined to dig deep for their first win of Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s on Friday in Melbourne with a remodelled side.
Losing lock Deni Ross, halfback Sarah Dougherty, flanker Jemma Bemrose and No.8 Haidee Head to injury has meant forced changes to play the Melbourne Rebels.
American prop Charli Jacoby makes a welcome return from international duty while strong-running Bond University centre-fullback Mel Wilks is back on the bench after recovering from an ankle injury.
“A few injury disruptions will test our resolve but hunger is something I will always back in our side,” Reds head coach Grant Anderson said.
“Obviously, the girls were really disappointed about the result against the Brumbies last weekend but the defensive effort was outstanding.
“The Brumbies made 22 A-Zone entries and only scored four tries. We just kept turning up.
“We’re working on our set piece and taken ownership on areas we need to fix. As a group, we are focussed on finishing the season strongly.”
The visit to AAMI Park does create a chance for another exciting debut with 17-year-old utility back Mercedez Taulelei-Siala named on the bench.
Ross suffered a broken leg in the 31-14 loss to the Brumbies while Head will undergo shoulder surgery.
Productive flanker Carola Kreis, named as the Reds’ best against the Brumbies, Grace Baker and power-running April Ngatupuna, at No.8, will form a strong starting backrow.
“Carola gives absolutely 110 per cent every game and plays well above her size. She was still going in the final minutes against the Brumbies when she scored her try,” Anderson added.
“The girls really get behind her and she’s an example of someone who leads by their actions.”
No reserve backrower has yet been finalised with stocks stretched to the limit with Head, Bemrose and Doreen Narokete now on the injured list.
Nat Wright will start at halfback in Dougherty’s absence while Anderson has confirmed a change-up in the centres.
Ipswich State High schoolgirl Shalom Sauaso has been shifted from winger to inside centre and captain Cecilia Smith moved out a spot to outside centre.
“Shalom has the style of game to get us over the gainline and we still have lots of experience around her,” Anderson said.
Friday 5 April
AAMI Park, Melbourne
4:05pm AEST
Watch live Stan Sport
1. Madi Schuck – Bond University – Alexandra Hills SHS – Redlands
2. Tiarna Molloy – Easts – Warialda State High School – Inverell Highlanders
3. Charli Jacoby – Bond University – Bartlett High School, USA
4. Ashlee Knight – Wests – Superior Senior High School, USA
5. Lucy Thorpe – Bond University – Queen Elizabeth High School - Tynedale
6. Grace Baker - Bond University - Miami SHS - Helensvale Hogs
7. Carola Kreis - Easts - Columneetza Secondary School, Canada
24. April Ngatupuna – Easts – Porirua College, NZ
9. Nat Wright - University of Qld, St Peter’s Lutheran College - Wests
10. Carys Dallinger – Easts – Manukura School, NZ – Fielding Yellows, NZ
11. Ivania Wong – Sunnybank – Balmoral SHS
12. Shalom Sauaso – Sunnybank – Ipswich SHS – Marist Ryze
13. Cecilia Smith (C) – Sunnybank – Leeton High School
14. Caitlin Urwin – University of Qld – St Patrick’s College – Gympie Hammers
15. Lori Cramer – University of Qld – Kelvin Grove State College
17. Liz Patu – Wests – Corinda SHS
18. Janita Kareta - Sunnybank - Dandenong High School
28. Maletina Brown – Easts – Kingston College – Logan Saints
19. TBC
20. TBC
21. Alana Elisaia - Wests - Cleveland SHS
22. Mel Wilks - Bond University - Beerwah SHS
23. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala* - Sunnybank - Ipswich SHS - Marist Ryze
*Potential Reds debut
