Reds v Wales - teams and prediction

PREVIEW: Former Rugby League star Regan Grace will make his Wales debut against the Reds after being named by coach Warren Gatland in the starting side Wednesday.

The former St Helens wing represented Wales six times in the 13-man game before switching codes in 2022, but serious injuries have hampered him since.

Prop Kemsley Mathias, hooker Evan Lloyd, No.8 Mackenzie Martin and centre Eddie James will also have their first Wales starts on Friday in Brisbane against the Super Rugby team.

Replacement hooker Efan Daniel is another in line for a debut, off the bench, in a new-look team after consecutive Test defeats to the Wallabies.

Lock Cory Hill will captain the side with Dewi Lake, who skippered Wales in both Tests against Australia, not in the 23.

“We said that we want the players that have come out on tour to have an involvement, whether starting or in the 23,” said Gatland.

“That was always the plan. Unfortunately, a few players miss out due to injury, but this game against the Reds allows several others to go out and perform.”

It is the Reds’ first home clash against a national side in 20 years and their first with Wales since 1991, when a young John Eales was in the side that won 35-24.

With the likes of Liam Wright and Tate McDermott on Australia duty against Georgia on Saturday, the Reds feature fellow Wallabies James O’Connor and Jock Campbell.

Campbell has been named captain and O’Connor installed at flyhalf.

The Reds have named a starting side boasting 14 players with Super Rugby experience while handing a debut to exciting young Reds Academy and Brothers centre Dre Pakeho.

O’Connor’s inclusion to start at No.10 for the first time this season is a huge plus for the side because he will add the calm direction gained from his 64 Tests.

Lock Josh Canham, outside back Lachie Anderson and Wallabies prop Matt Gibbon, all recent signings after careers with the Melbourne Rebels, are shaping up for potential Reds debuts off the bench.

Utility back Mason Gordon, who played with the Rebels this year, has been drafted as cover on the bench with Wallabies selections and injuries reducing the available backs.

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“I can speak for everyone in the squad when I say this is an awesome opportunity for the Reds and the players involved,” said O’Connor, who played three times off the bench in Super Rugby Pacific this season.

“We are playing a quality national team in what is pretty much a Test match situation.

“I haven’t played much footy this season so I’m looking forward to this game against a country I’ve enjoyed playing against in the past.”

O’Connor has been paired with scrumhalf Louis Werchon.

With Tate McDermott on duty with the Wallabies and Kalani Thomas injured, there is an exciting opportunity for Will Cartwright, 21, on the bench.

Cartwright’s speed, form and versatility to play at No.9 and wing for Brothers was identified by Reds head coach Les Kiss for this match.

Campbell’s elevation to the honour of captain will make him Reds captain #127 across the state’s storied history.

“This is a wonderful honour for Jock, whose experience and leadership is evident around the Reds every week,” Kiss said.

“We’ve said to our guys that this is an opportunity that some never get.

“We’ll go out and back our game. I’ve been in the Test arena a bit myself as an assistant coach against Wales many times.

“They are a special rugby nation so I know these matches put a different demand on you.

“We need to be ready for that. The boys know it is an important game and they are up for it.”

Prediction

@rugby365com: Wales by 12 points

Teams

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell (captain), 14 Floyd Aubrey, 13 Tim Ryan, 12 Dre Pakeho, 11 Mac Grealy, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Louis Werchon, 8 Joe Brial, 7 John Bryant, 6 Seru Uru, 5 Ryan Smith, 4 Connor Vest, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Richie Asiata, 1 Sef Fa’agase.
Replacements: 16 George Blake, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Connor Anderson, 21 Will Cartwright, 22 Mason Gordon, 23 Lachie Anderson.

Wales: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Rio Dyer, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Eddie James, 11 Regan Grace, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Mackenzie Martin, 7 Taine Plumtree, 6 Christ Tshiunza, 5 Cory Hill (captain), 4 Matthew Screech, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Evan Lloyd, 1 Kemsley Mathias.
Replacements: 16 Efan Daniel, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Dafydd Jenkins, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Ben Thomas, 23 Mason Grady.

Date: Friday, July 19
Venue: Lang Park, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.55 (10.55 BST, 09.55 GMT
Referee: TBC