The Queensland Reds have confirmed their matchday-23 for this Friday night’s historic Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific Round 8 clash against Moana Pasifika in Samoa.
Head coach Brad Thorn has made seven changes to his starting side, with Samoa’s Apia Park set to host Moana Pasifika for the first time.
Jake Upfield will make his Queensland and Super Rugby Pacific starting debut at blindside flanker, with skipper Liam Wright ruled out with a hand injury, while James O'Connor will run on at inside centre in place of Isaac Henry who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Suliasi Vunivalu returns to the starting side on the wing, as do props Sef Fa’agase and Zane Nonggorr, with Jordan Petaia celebrating his 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap.
Connor Vest and Ryan Smith make for a new-look lock combination as the Reds look to snap a three-game losing streak on Friday afternoon.
Thorn said: “We make our trip to Samoa this week. It’s a historic game for the competition and for Rugby in the Pacific Islands.
“Moana Pasifika will be a challenge in front of their passionate fans and we’re looking forward to a tough contest.
“Congratulations to Jordy on his 50th cap. He’s in fine form so it’s great to see him reach the milestone."
Matt Faessler will start at hooker alongside Fa’agase and Nonggorr, with Fa’agase making his return from suspension.
Angus Blyth’s three-game ban and a concussion to Seru Uru provides Vest and Smith the chance to start, while Gold Coast product Upfield will combine with Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight in the backrow.
Lawson Creighton combines with skipper Tate McDermott in the halves, with Josh Flook set to partner O'Connor in the centres.
Vunivalu returns on the wing in place of Filipo Daugunu, with Jock Campbell and Petaia starting at fullback and wing respectively.
After recovering from concussion, Tom Lynagh returns on the bench with lock Lopeti Faifua and outside back Mac Grealy also recalled.
Queensland will take on Moana Pasifika at 2:05pm AEST on Friday.
Moana Pasifika v Queensland Reds, Friday 14 April, Apia Park, Samoa, 2:05pm AEST. Watch Live on Stan Sport.
- 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
- Jake Upfield* – The Southport School
- 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
- Lawson Creighton – Brothers – Padua College
- Jordan Petaia** – Wests – Brisbane State High School
- 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
- Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
- Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
- Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
- Phransis Sula-Siaosi – Souths – St Joseph’s Nudgee College
- Lopeti Faifua – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
- Connor Anderson – Brisbane State High School – Everton Park Roosters
- Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
- Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club
- Mac Grealy – University of Queensland – Downlands College – Souths Toowoomba
*denotes Queensland and Super Rugby starting debut **denotes 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap
