The adaptability of Filipo Daugunu is being utilised with his selection at outside centre in the Queensland Reds team to face the Crusaders on Sunday in Christchurch.
Daugunu will shift from wing to outside centre to cover the absence of Josh Flook (hamstring) for the Round Four clash in SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific.
Daugunu was the matchwinner with his try in the final moments of last weekend’s win over the Western Force in Perth.
In the starting side, Tim Ryan is on the wing, flanker Liam Wright returns to the No.6 jersey and Alex Hodgman and Massimo De Lutiis will form the front-row with hooker Matt Faessler.
At No.10, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will guide the side with Tom Lynagh’s impact being used from the bench.
On the bench, teenage centre Frankie Goldsbrough has the opportunity to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
The Reds International Program provided the Churchie product with the benefit of starting two games against the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan late last year.
The Reds’ decision to turn the Force-Crusaders game block into a “tour” meant the team flying into Christchurch last Monday.
Reds head coach Les Kiss said the week of preparation in Christchurch also came with attention to all members of the travelling squad staying in touch with family and friends in Queensland which is bracing for the impacts of Cyclone Alfred.
“We have put a lot of emphasis on staying connected with family and friends in Queensland. Our thoughts are not just with them but everyone in Queensland,” Kiss said.
“The players are fairly good at compartmentalising so they switch on to the footy parts of the week but are making sure they are on top of things back home with time to contact loved ones.
“It’s a real life thing so safety is the priority.”
Kiss said coming up against former Reds back James O’Connor in a Crusaders jersey added an interesting dimension to the game.
“We have a lot of respect for James. He’s a quality player and man,” Kiss said.
“Not everything runs in a straight line with rugby. James gave an enormous amount to Australian rugby and he’s exploring another avenue. He has ambitions to coach down the track and seeing a different environment will add to that.”
The Reds snapped a 25-year drought with a victory in Christchurch last year.
“That in itself shows how hard it is to win in Christchurch but also a challenge we always embrace,” Kiss said.
Sunday, March 9
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
12:35pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport
1 Alex Hodgman - Sunnybank – Mount Albert Grammar, Auckland – Suburbs RFC, Auck
2 Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
3 Massimo De Lutiis – Wests – The Southport School - Surfers Paradise Dolphins
4 Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb
5 Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6 Liam Wright (cc) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
7 Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8 Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (cc) - University of Queensland - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Flinders RC
10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
11 Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12 Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School
13 Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
14 Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15 Heremaia Murray - TBC – Auckland Grammar - Te Rarawa RC, NZ
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 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
19 Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20 Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
21 Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
22 Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
23 Frankie Goldsbrough – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
Unavailable through injury: Jock Campbell, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru Unavailable: Hunter Paisami (suspension)
