The Queensland Reds have confirmed their side to take on the New South Wales Waratahs for the Bob Templeton Cup in Townsville this Saturday.
Head coach Brad Thorn has made just one change to his starting XV, Ryan Smith coming into the run-on team in the second row as Queensland look to claim their third-straight win in Round 11 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific.
Lock Angus Blyth returns to the side via the bench and will celebrate his 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap.
Thorn said: “We’re looking forward to being back in Townsville this weekend. It’s great to have another chance to play in front of our North Queensland fans.
“It’s always a special occasion when Queensland play New South Wales. We’re expecting a tough contest against the Waratahs.
“Congratulations to Angus who will potentially reach his 50th cap. It’s a special milestone to celebrate for him.”
Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr make for an unchanged frontrow, while Smith will start alongside Connor Vest in the tight-five as Seru Uru drops to the bench.
Co-captain Liam Wright, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson start in the backrow for the eighth time this season, McReight coming off a try-scoring double against the Force.
Tate McDermott combines with Lawson Creighton in the halves, with Jordan Petaia retaining the fullback jersey as Jock Campbell and Suliasi Vunivalu starting on the wings.
James O’Connor and Josh Flook run on in the centres as Queensland look to continue their hold on the Templeton Cup which they regained in 2021.
The Reds Super Rugby Pacific side continue the Queensland action in Townsville at 7:35pm, with the Queensland Super W team out to claim their first title when they face the Fijiana Drua at 4:45pm. Buy tickets to both games via https://bit.ly/3nhrR3x.
- Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
- Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
- Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
- Connor Vest – University of Queensland – Grafton High School – Grafton Junior Rugby Club
- Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
- Liam Wright (cc) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
- Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
- Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
- Tate McDermott (cc) – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
- Lawson Creighton – Brothers – Padua College
- Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
- James O’Connor – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
- Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
- Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
- Jordan Petaia – Wests – Brisbane State High School
- Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
- George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga
- Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
- Angus Blyth* – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
- Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
- Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
- Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club
- Filipo Daugunu – Wests – Dogotuki District School, Fjii
*denotes potential 50th Queensland cap
