The Queensland Reds have named a team that includes nine Wallabies and two All Blacks for Wednesday night’s blockbuster against the British and Irish Lions.
Tickets remain available for the Lions’ first visit to Suncorp Stadium since 2013 with more than 46,000 already sold.
Experienced fullback Jock Campbell has been named captain of the Reds side to reprise the role he filled against Wales and Tonga last year.
The pack has been stiffened by the inclusion of prop Aidan Ross, the Reds signing who played for the Chiefs in the recent Super Rugby Pacific final.
Ross, who played a Test for the All Blacks in 2022, will form a front-row with Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler and former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen.
Both Ross and Toomaga-Allen have previous experience packing against the Lions for their then-New Zealand Super Rugby clubs in 2017.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto returns at lock. The 41-Test forward will partner Josh Canham in the second-row.
In a remodelled backrow, Seru Uru returns at flanker after sharpening his match fitness with two outings for his club side Souths. John Bryant will start at openside flanker with Joe Brial at No.8.
Kalani Thomas, after his best season in Super Rugby, will wear the No.9 jersey in the halves beside flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
Wallabies Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook are together in the centres as the Reds’ top-choice pairing.
Forming a settled back three are winger Lachie Anderson, who scored a Reds record four tries against the Fijian Drua in his last appearance at Suncorp Stadium, Tim Ryan and Campbell.
“Excitement is high that’s for sure,” Kiss said.
“If you look at history, it’s a unique and special group as Queensland players and coaches who get the chance against a Lions team.
“It’s a one-off match but we’ve had a line of sight with their games against Argentina and the Western Force.
“They are an incredibly good and talented team. They have taken on some of the DNA of the Irish team and I'd like to welcome (Head Coach) Andy Farrell, (assistant coach) Simon Easterby and their other coaches.
"In this match, we have to be very good at the breakdown and aerially. They’ve shown their attacking side too.
“We have to meet those challenges but we’ll put our brand of rugby out there as well. We’ll keep backing ourselves.
“Why can’t we put our best foot forward, rip in and see what happens?”
Kiss said that Ross had already shown his intent to step up.
“Aidan had several sessions with us last week straight off the Super Rugby Pacific final. He showed quickly how professional he is,” Kiss said.
“This is a great opportunity for our Reds players and staff. As an organisation, we have sought out extra playing opportunities against Wales, Tonga, the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, Bristol and Ulster during my time with the club to develop against different styles of rugby.
“Wednesday night will be an impressive spectacle for rugby fans and a night for everyone to enjoy.”
The Queensland Reds have a proud history against international opponents, including a 15-11 victory over the 1971 Lions at Ballymore.
Wednesday, July 2
Suncorp Stadium
7:45pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1. Aidan Ross – TBC - Otumoetai College, Tauranga, NZ
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
4. Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths – John Edmondson HS, Sydney – Southern Districts,
Sydney
6. Seru Uru - Wests - Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji
7. John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
8. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
9. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland - Manukau Rovers
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – Nudgee College - Brothers
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Jock Campbell (c) – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
Reserves:
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. Sef Fa’agase - Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
19. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
20. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
21. Connor Vest – Souths - Grafton High School - Grafton Junior RC
22. Louis Werchon - Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
23. Isaac Henry - Wests - Brisbane Boys' College - Kenmore Bears
