Reds tweak team for Sunwolves clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made just the one change to their starting XV for Friday’s clash against the Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium.
Following two appearances off the bench in South Africa, University of Queensland flyer Jock Campbell will make his starting debut replacing Jack Hardy on the wing.
Hardy has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his ACL during the second half of the Reds 21-14 victory over the Sharks in Durban.
Campbell’s promotion into the starting side sees outside back Seb Wileman potentially set to make his Super Rugby and Queensland debut off the bench as the only change to the reserves.
Born in Sydney, Seb joined the Reds after six years playing in the Shute Shield with the Warringah Rats and also in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) with both the Sydney Rays and NSW Country Eagles.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s an important game for us this week. The Sunwolves are a dangerous side. We’re hoping to put in a good performance for our Queensland fans on Friday night.
“We’ve lost Jack Hardy for the season unfortunately. He did his ACL over in Durban and underwent surgery this week. As a group we’ll support him in his recovery. At just 19, he’s already made his Super Rugby debut and we think he’s a got a big future at the club.
“It sees Jock Campbell handed his first start. He made his Queensland debut over in Africa and had some good touches on the wing over there. He’s a hard worker and continues to improve each week.
“Seb Wileman possibly gets a chance to make his Queensland debut this week. He’s come to us through club rugby system with Warringah down in Sydney. Seb’s been playing some good footy with Brothers here in Brisbane and has been working hard at training,” said Thorn.
NEWS | The https://t.co/4mSQR9Bfhc Queensland Reds have made just the one change to their starting XV for Friday’s clash against the @sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium.
Read more here: https://t.co/SRxFeyMh2Z#Believe2019 #REDvSUN #RedsFamily pic.twitter.com/goaikKbeVq
— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) April 30, 2019
Reds: 15 Hamish Stewart, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Samu Kerevi (captain), 11 Sefa Naivalu, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Harry Hoopert.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Harry Hockings, 20 Adam Korczyk, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Duncan Paia’aua, 23 Seb Wileman.
Date: Friday, May 3
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (18.45 Japan time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe, Damon Murphy
TMO: Ian Smith
