- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Highlanders
23
Match Complete
Queensland Reds
29
| S. Gilbert |  | 82 | ||
| 69 |  | F. Daugunu | ||
| 63 | | L. Anderson | ||
| 57 |  | T. Lynagh | ||
| 56 | | F. Daugunu | ||
| T. Robinson | | 51 | ||
| T. Robinson | | 33 | ||
| T. Tele'a | | 31 | ||
| T. Robinson | | 25 | ||
| T. Robinson | | 15 | ||
| T. Tavatavanawai | | 14 | ||
| 9 | | R. Asiata | ||
| 4 | | T. Lynagh | ||
| 4 | | K. Thomas |
| 2 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 3 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson will captain the Reds for the first time, with Liam Wright and Fraser McReight injured and Tate McDermott rested when they take on the Highlanders on Saturday afternoon (2.35pm AEDT).
But in a sign of the times and growing depth in Australian rugby following the Rebels’ unfortunate demise, the Reds will still roll out a strong outfit against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday afternoon which has been bolstered by the return of Wallaby Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
“I feel very privileged to be able to captain Queensland,” Wilson said.
“I’ve always liked to lead in my own way and help the team in any way I can. It just happens I’ll have the (c) next to my name this week. A week later I’ll probably be back to my normal role.
“I definitely feel more relaxed in this captaincy situation because of the Wallabies experiences I had last year. I just want to really enjoy this with a squad that has the opportunity to go to New Zealand and get a win in a city where we haven’t done so for 12 years.”
Indeed, with injuries and Rugby Australia’s high performance protocols taking place, the Reds have made several changes from the one that put away the Waratahs at home.
Up front, hooker Richie Asiata comes in for Matt Faessler, who came off early against the Waratahs last week. Asiata joins Sef Fa’agase and Zane Nonggorr in the front-row.
Ryan Smith’s stand-down allows for Angus Blyth to join Josh Canham in the second-row, with re-signed Wallaby Salakaia-Loto to play his first minutes of this year’s Super Rugby season since injuring his leg during a pre-season tour to the United Kingdom.
Rising loose-forward John Bryant replaces Fraser McReight, who is expected to miss a couple of weeks because of an AC issue in his shoulder.
Kalani Thomas earns a rare start, with McDermott given a week to recharge the batteries. Louis Werchon provides cover from the bench.
On the bench, George Blake will show his versatility by providing cover at hooker. Massimo De Lutiis returns after having a week off last week.“
There’s going to be some really rowdy students in the stands under the roof. It’ll be a good atmosphere and a challenge to enjoy,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.
“We have a game we think we can win with. We just have to put it on the park with the balance we have been working on.
“Harry has been part of our leadership group from the start this season and his presence in the locker room makes him the ideal man for the captaincy this week.
“Guys like John Bryant and Joe Brial step up for us with lots of qualities and Lukhan is a massive addition who will add leadership as well.”
The Highlanders have rejigged their forward pack. Soane Vikena starts at hooker with Jack Taylor to the bench. TK Howden moves from loose forward to lock and Fabian Holland will provide bench impact.
Thomas Umaga-Jensen will make his debut for the 2025 season following early season injury and a few warm-up games for the Highlanders Bravehearts Development team. His reinstatement to the midfield means Captain Timoci Tavatavanawai reverts to his more familiar position on the left wing. Finn Hurley returns from a quad injury to earn his place at fullback which means regular starter Sam Gilbert will make his 50th Super Rugby appearance as an impact player.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma’u, TK Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Tanielu Tele’a, Caleb Tangitau, Finn Hurley
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Fabian Holland, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Sam Gilbert
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, John Bryant, Harry Wilson (c), Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo De Lutiis, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jeremy Markey
TMO: Brett Cronan
Hide Preview
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.