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Reds and Tahs bring out the big guns for Aussie derby

PRE-SEASON PREVIEW: The Waratahs and Reds are taking the same approach into their final pre-season Super Rugby hit-out on Saturday.

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The Queensland Reds have named a near full-strength side to take on the Waratahs in Roma for this Saturday’s second and final pre-season trial.

For the Tahs emerging flyhalf Ben Donaldson will have the first crack at the No.10 jersey this season.

The 22-year-old has been named in the halves with captain Jake Gordon for the Waratahs’ trip to Roma to take on the Reds.

Donaldson beat out Tane Edmed and the injured Will Harrison in what is a near full-strength line-up for the Waratahs.

Vice-captain Alex Newsome, who himself has been named at fullback for the trial contest, said Donaldson had the right manner for the vital role.

“Benny is just such a good, calm, level-headed guy, it’s good to have that in that playmaking seat there at No.10,” he said.

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“He’s got great skills, his passing and kicking are really good which is essential for a good flyhalf. We used to call him ‘Bernie Larkham’ when he first came on the scene, I reckon he’s just got that calmness at No.10.

“His speed is underestimated, he’s got that graceful running style and can slide through a gap, as you saw against the Brumbies a couple of weeks ago.”

Newsome, who’s named alongside red-hot James Turner and Dylan Pietsch in the back three, said competition for spots was serving the side well.

“For me, it’s a position that I’ve played a bit of coming through the pathway and played a Super game there as well. It’s a great position, you’ve got a bit of a licence to roam and attack,” he said.

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“Right across the squad, there’s been additions in every position that have just added to the depth. [Coach] Darren Coleman has got quite a direct style and he’ll challenge individuals on their performance every day at training.”

Former Welsh international Jamie Roberts has been named for his new club for the first time on the bench.

Newsome said the side would attack the contest head-on with their round-one clash against Fijian Drua next Friday night.

* James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia and Jock Campbell will feature for the Reds, with O’Connor set to partner youngster Kalani Thomas in the halves.

“We’re excited to be playing in Roma this weekend,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said.

“Off the back of our Reds to Regions visits, we’re looking forward to strengthening our connection with regional communities across Queensland.

“The Waratahs will provide tough competition. With the season kicking off next week it’ll be a good contest between both sides.

“It’s great we can support country towns and the people who live there by playing games like this – as the Queensland Reds, it’s who we represent,” said Thorn.

Campbell and Petaia will form a lethal back three combination for the Reds alongside the electric Filipo Daugunu, while Darling Downs product Hamish Stewart and Josh Flook run on in the centres.

After scoring two tries in his return from injury last weekend, Josh Nasser earns a start at hooker, with Dane Zander and Feao Fotuaika packing down alongside him in the front row, while Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Angus Blyth start at lock.

Liam Wright will captain the side from blindside flank, as Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight line up with him in the back row.

Off the bench, Lawson Creighton and Alex Mafi will play their first game for 2022 after injury layoffs, as will rampaging prop Taniela Tupou.

Spencer Jeans and Taj Annan will look to consolidate their form after impressing in their first stint in Queensland colours against the Force last weekend.

Teams:

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright (captain), 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Feao Fotuaika, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Dane Zander.
Replacements – from: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Seru Uru, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Spencer Jeans, 22 Floyd Aubrey, 23 Mac Grealy, 24 Ryan Smith, 25 Lawson Creighton, 26 Taj Annan.

Waratahs: 15 Alex Newsome, 14 Dylan Pietsch, 13 Izaia Perese, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 James Turner, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Jake Gordon (captain), 8 Will Harris, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Geoff Cridge, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Tom Horton, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements – from: Te Tera Faulkner, Mahe Vailanu, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Max Douglas, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Tom Silk, Hugh Sinclair, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed, Tevita Funa, Jamie Roberts, Nick Chan, Triston Reilly, James Ramm.

Date: Saturday, February 12
Venue: Roma Club, Gallas Fox Park, Queensland
Kick-off: 19.30 AEST (10.30 GMT)
Referee: TBC

Reds squad to face Tahs

Waratahs team to face Reds

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