Reds rest their captain for Chiefs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
captain Samu Kerevi has been rested for this match in accordance with Rugby Australia’s workload management policy.
In the absence of Kerevi, lock Izack Rodda will skipper the side this week in Hamilton.
Duncan Paia’aua replaces Kerevi at 12 and Seb Wileman will make his Super Rugby debut at outside centre after Chris Feauai-Sautia was ruled out with a knee injury.
Prop Harry Hoopert will start in the front row.
There are five additional changes on the bench – with the long-awaited return of versatile prop Feao Fotuaika from a broken thumb.
Adam Korczyk and Teti Tela have been recalled into Queensland’s MATCHDAY 23, while scrumhalf Scott Maloua and outside back Liam McNamara could potentially make their Queensland debuts off the bench.
“This is Samu’s rest week, as requested by Rugby Australia,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said.
“Duncan Paia’aua comes in for him at No.12.
“Seb Wileman gets his opportunity to make his Queensland debut for Chris Feauai-Sautia who’s out with a knee injury.
“Scott Maloua is another player who has come through the Club Rugby system and the NRC with Queensland Country. He joined us in the pre-season as injury cover. He has been working hard at training and deserves his spot in the 23.
“Liam McNamara has also joined us as injury cover. He’s come through the same Queensland U20s squad as the majority of this squad and knows a lot of the guys. He’s been with the Australian Sevens side and provides good depth to our outside backs. As a group, we congratulate Seb, Scott and Liam on their selection this week,” Thorn added.
Reds: 15 Matt McGahan, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Seb Wileman, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Sefa Naivalu, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Angus Scott-Young, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Izack Rodda (captain), 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Harry Hoopert.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Feao Fotuaika, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Adam Korczyk, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Teti Tela, 23 Liam McNamara.
Date: Friday, May 24
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 Brisbane time; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Dan Waenga (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
