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Queensland Reds
35
Match Complete
Blues
21
| 75 |  | B. Barrett | ||
| 75 |  | A. Segner | ||
| T. Lynagh | | 70 | ||
| R. Asiata | | 69 | ||
| 67 | | B. Barrett | ||
| 66 | | S. Nock | ||
| T. Lynagh | | 60 | ||
| L. Anderson | | 59 | ||
| T. Lynagh | | 51 | ||
| T. McDermott | | 50 | ||
| 37 | | H. Plummer | ||
| 36 | | K. Eklund | ||
| T. Lynagh | | 7 | ||
| T. Lynagh | | 7 | ||
| T. Lynagh | | 4 | ||
| T. Lynagh | | 3 |
| 5 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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After being eased back from a forearm injury suffered in round two, Les Kiss has welcomed back experienced fullback Jock Campbell at fullback for Friday’s Anzac clash with the Blues.
His return comes not a second too late, with the Reds in need of a win after consecutive defeats ahead of their bye. Heremaia Murray, who has grown with every chance in the No.15 jersey, will come off the bench.
Campbell’s return provides the Reds some welcomed experience, poise and communication as they take on the Blues, who have found their feet despite just falling short against the Crusaders last week.
“It’s great to see Jock back in action,” Kiss said.
“He’s played off the bench in recent games and we know his experience will be massively important in a game like this.
“We know his ability in counter-attack. His communication in organising the back three is also a trait of his experience.
Elsewhere, the Reds have made just the one change with Matt Faessler ruled out after leaving the field early against the Brumbies. Richie Asiata once again will wear the No.2 jersey.
Although the Reds’ scrum has been strong, Kiss and forwards coach Zane Hilton will be wanting more out of their locking duo Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
“Our scrum has been one of the strongest in the competition. This is kudos to all our props as we mix-and-match again,” Kiss said.
Kiss, who is expected to be confirmed as Joe Schmidt’s successor next week, said he was anticipating another ding-dong battle after last year’s epic, which ended with the Blues running down the Reds in stoppage time.
“Last year’s Anzac Weekend Round match was a special occasion for both the players of both sides and the spectators at Suncorp Stadium and it will be again,” Kiss said.
“The match will represent the true spirit of the occasion.
“It’s great that we are up against the defending champions of Super Rugby. They are certainly an impressive opponent with their recent form.
“They have constant threats which means being on our game defensively.”
Blues coach Vern Cotter will bring star hooker Ricky Riccitelli off the bench along with two-time World Rugby player of the year Beauden Barrett. Harry Plummer will start in the No.10 jersey, with Zarn Sullivan at fullback.
Reds (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo De Lutiis, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Heremaia Murray
Blues (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Kurt Eklund, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cam Christie, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Mark Tele’a, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Laghlan McWhannell, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Beauden Barrett, Corey Evans
Referee: Jordan Way
TMO: James Leckie
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