Reds coach reveals his hand for Rebels
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have named an unchanged 23 for Friday’s clash against the Melbourne Rebels in Sydney.
Following Queensland’s drought-breaking victory over the Waratahs last week, Reds head coach Brad Thorn has stuck firm with the same side as they look to record back-to-back wins for the first time this year.
Lock Angus Blyth has passed HIA protocols this week following a head-knock in last Friday’s six-point win over the Waratahs and will resume his spot in the second row.
Brothers speedster Josh Flook has again been named as a finisher and is potentially set to make his Super Rugby and Queensland debut off the bench on Friday.
“This is game-two for us and we’re focused on improving our game and knowing we’ve got a really tough opposition,” said Thorn.
“We’ve got a lot of respect for the Rebels. They’re a really good defensive side – good line-speed. Smart man at 10 there with [Matt] Toomua. They’ve got a good set-piece – they’ve really stepped-up in their scrummaging, good line-out.
“It was a good hit-out with them and the Brumbies. They’re a strong side and that’s how we’re approaching it.”
Reds: 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Hunter Paisaimi, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Harry Hoopert.
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 JP Smith, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 23 Josh Flook.
Date: Friday, July 10
Venue: Brookvale Oval, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.05 (09.05 GMT)
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant referees: Nic Berry, Jordan Way
TMO: George Ayoub
