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Fijian Drua
36
Match Complete
Queensland Reds
33
| I. Armstrong-Ravula |  | 80 | ||
| I. Rabitu |  | 79 | ||
| 72 | | T. Lynagh | ||
| 71 | | M. Craig | ||
| 60 | | T. Lynagh | ||
| 60 | | J. Toomaga-Allen | ||
| I. Armstrong-Ravula | | 55 | ||
| I. Tuwai | | 54 | ||
| I. Armstrong-Ravula | | 42 | ||
| M. Vocevoce | | 41 | ||
| 34 | | S. Uru | ||
| 29 | | H. McLaughlin-Phillips | ||
| 28 | | R. Asiata | ||
| E. Waqa | | 25 | ||
| M. Doge | | 15 | ||
| 11 | | H. McLaughlin-Phillips | ||
| 10 | | J. Campbell | ||
| T. Rakuro | | 7 |
| 6 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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Les Kiss has bucked the trend of leaving his big names behind for their trip to Fiji, naming several Wallabies regulars in his Reds side for Saturday’s clash against the Drua in Suva (12.05pm AEST). Join The Roar for live scores and updates.
With a home quarterfinal still a possibility, the fourth-placed Reds have named as close to a full-strength squad as possible for the game.
While Tom Lynagh and locks Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Josh Canham will come off the bench, the Test trio could easily have been left behind to prepare for a crunch fortnight against the Waratahs and Brumbies.
Instead, they will be injected into the match from the bench as a means to try and drive the Reds home to victory.
Starting ahead of Lynagh will be Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, with the Junior Wallabies playmaker returning from a hamstring injury to return to the No.10 jersey.
He will play alongside an otherwise unchanged backline from the one that beat the Blues 35-21 in Brisbane last week.
The front-row is unchanged, while Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth start ahead of Salakaia-Loto and Canham.
The back-row is also unchanged, with Fraser McReight picked alongside Seru Uru and Joe Brial.
“The boys lifted and really focussed on the things that matter. It is up to us to continue the momentum into Fiji this weekend,” Kiss said.
George Blake’s injury has seen Kiss turn to Junior Wallabies hooker Max Craig to make his debut.
The 21-year-old will have plenty of experience around him though, with internationals Alex Hodgman and Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen also named on the bench.
Uru said he was looking forward to the challenge of returning to Fiji.
“I’m always excited to go back to the homeland to play against the Drua. It’s always a big challenge, a tough one,” Uru said.
“For me, it’s always a special moment. It’s the only time that family get to watch me close up because it’s watching me behind a screen otherwise. “We are well prepared as a team and looking forward to the game.”
Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson has made key changes in the backline. Jackson has handed Vuate Karawalevu a start at outside centre, added Kemu Valetini at flyhalf, and moved Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula to fullback.
Jackson has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, which includes seasoned co-captain Tevita Ikanivere. Experienced prop Mesake Doge starts the match as captain.
DRUA (1-15): Peni Ravai, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge (c), Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakiavata, Philip Baselala, Isikeli Rabitu
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Tate McDermott (c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Max Craig, Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Heremaia Murray
Referee: Marcus Playle
Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Glenn Newman
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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.