The Queensland Reds have confirmed their side to take on the Chiefs in the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals in Hamilton this Saturday afternoon.
Head coach Brad Thorn has made three changes to his starting XV, with Tom Lynagh set to start at flyhalf against the minor premiers.
James O’Connor will run on at inside centre for the sixth time this season with Hunter Paisami ruled out with a knee injury, while Sef Fa’agase will start in the frontrow with Zane Nonggorr set to provide impact as a finisher.
Thorn said: “We come into the quarter-final with a great challenge in front us. Finals footy is a step up in intensity, physicality and pressure.
“The Chiefs finished as minor premiers and are deserved favourites in Hamilton this Saturday.
“They’ve got threats across the park and we will need to be at our best to challenge them this weekend.”
Fa’agase starts in the frontrow alongside Peni Ravai and Matt Faessler, who has scored six tries at hooker in 2023.
The remainder of the forward pack remains unchanged, with locks Angus Blyth and Ryan Smith, and backrow trio Seru Uru, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson retaining their positions.
Skipper Tate McDermott partners Lynagh in the halves, while Filipo Daugunu pushes infield to outside centre, the same position he played in Queensland’s stunning upset over the Chiefs in Round 12.
The versatile Josh Flook moves to the wing, with Jock Campbell and Suliasi Vunivalu rounding out the side at fullback and wing respectively.
Fresh from the Junior Wallabies series against the New Zealand U20s in Wellington, Taj Annan returns to the side via the bench and will provide impact as a finisher alongside Nonggorr, Richie Asiata and Lawson Creighton.
Queensland take on the Chiefs for a spot in the semi-finals at 2:35pm AEST on Saturday. Watch live via Stan Sport.
- Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
- Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
- Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
- Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
- Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
- Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
- Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
- Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
- Tate McDermott – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
- Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club
- Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
- James O’Connor – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
- Filipo Daugunu – Wests – Dogotuki District School, Fjii
- Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
- Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
- Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
- Dane Zander – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Albany Creek Brumbies
- Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
- Lopeti Faifua – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
- Jake Upfield – Bond University – The Southport School
- Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
- Lawson Creighton – Brothers – Padua College
- Taj Annan – Souths – Brisbane Boys College – Mereweather Carlton
