Reds get Wallaby young gun back for Brumbies clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Queensland young gun Jordan Petaia will return for the Super Rugby AU top-of-the-table clash with the Brumbies on Saturday.
Named on the bench, utility back Petaia underwent shoulder surgery in February but will add some much-needed strike power against the unbeaten Brumbies in Canberra.
Prop Feao Fotuaika will also make his first appearance of the season in two of eight changes to Queensland’s 23.
Dane Zander will start at loosehead prop with Harry Hoopert set to be sidelined for another four-to-five weeks with an MCL injury suffered against the Force in Round Three.
Angus Blyth has overcome a shoulder injury and re-takes his place in the second row alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
It sees a reshuffle to the backrow as Angus Scott-Young shifts from lock to blindside flank and captain Liam Wright will wear his familiar No.7 jersey again.
There’s just one change to the backline with Scott Malolua earning his third start of 2020 and first in Vodafone Super Rugby AU at scrumhalf.
Malolua’s elevation means Tate McDermott will provide impact off the bench as a finisher alongside Fraser McReight, plus Petaia and Fotuaika.
Queensland: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Hunter Paisaimi, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Scott Malolua, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Dane Zander.
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Feao Fotuaika, 18 Jack Straker, 19 Ryan Smith, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Jordan Petaia.
Date: Saturday, August 1
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 19.15 (09.15 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Jordan Way, Reuben Keane
TMO: Ian Smith
