After a hard-fought win against the Fijian Drua in Suva, Fiji the team has travelled to another location where it has been historically difficult to come away with a win – Suncorp Stadium. The Reds have come up just short against both the Hurricanes and Chiefs in the last two rounds and will be highly motivated to secure a result against a New Zealand team.
Helping to provide that motivation will be Reds Head Coach and former Highlander, Brad Thorn, who will no doubt be keen to get one over his old club.
Coach Tony Brown is mindful of the Reds threat.
“The Reds are the current Australian Super Rugby Champions and their form this year has again been right up there having won seven from ten. Brad has instilled a lot of confidence into his troops, and this will be a tough game for us no doubt.”
Changes to the pack includes the return of veteran hooker, Liam Coltman, the experienced James Lentjes to the loose forward trio and Josh Dickson to the middle row. Dickson having just returned from a two-week suspension. Impressive young prop, Saula Mau has been named on the bench and will face a stern test against a strong Reds scrum.
Brown has welcomed back the experience.
“It’s great to have Colty, Jimmy and Josh back for this one, the Reds are very strong up front, and it will be a tough old night for the small numbers and we’re counting on energy off the bench when they’re called on as we know we will need all hands-on deck Friday night.”
There are no changes in the backline as the Highlanders look to get some settled combinations going as they look towards the play-offs. A good performance against the Reds would be a significant step toward securing a top eight spot.
Following this week’s game, the Highlanders will return to Dunedin to prepare to play the Western Force in their first home game at Forsyth Barr Stadium against an Australian team for 2022.
Queensland Reds v Highlanders – 9:45pm (7:45 NZT), Friday 6th May, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
1: Ethan de Groot
2: Liam Coltman
3: Jermaine Ainsley
4: Bryn Evans
5: Josh Dickson
6: James Lentjes (cc)
7: Billy Harmon
8: Marino Mikaele-Tu’u
9: Aaron Smith (cc)
10: Mitch Hunt
11: Scott Gregory
12: Fetuli Paea
13: Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14: Sam Gilbert
15: Connor Garden-Bachop
Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Marty Banks, Mosese Dawai