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Reds announce side to take on Rebels in Melbourne

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Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia will return to the Queensland Reds starting side for this Saturday’s Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific Round 5 clash against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park.

Paisami and Petaia are two of three changes to the Reds XV, with Kalani Thomas set to run-on at scrumhalf for the sixth time in his career.

Harry Wilson will celebrate his 50th Queensland cap, while prop Phransis Sula-Siaosi will potentially play his first Super Rugby match after debuting for Queensland on last year’s Tour of Japan.

Head coach Brad Thorn said: “The Rebels have been impressive so far this season. We’re expecting a tough contest down in Melbourne.

“It’s great to have Hunter, Jordy and Isaac back this week. They’ll bring good experience to the backline.

“Congratulations to Harry who’ll play his 50th game for Queensland. It’s a special and well-deserved achievement.

“Phransis impressed us during the Challenger Series and Japan Tour last year. It’s a great reward to see him potentially make his Super Rugby debut.”

Queensland have named an unchanged starting forward pack for the fourth straight week, with Dane Zander, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr set to pack down in the front row.

Seru Uru and Ryan Smith reprise their combination in the second row, with co-captain Liam Wright, Fraser McReight and Wilson making for a settled and dynamic backrow trio.

Thomas’ inclusion in the starting side sees skipper Tate McDermott drop to the bench, a planned rest week for the Wallaby scrumhalf.

James O’Connor will feature at flyhalf, with Petaia returning on the wing alongside Filipo Daugunu and fullback Jock Campbell.

Fresh from his second try-scoring double of 2023, Josh Flook partners Paisami in the centres, the latter having recovered from concussion.

Off the bench, Connor Anderson returns to the side in place of Connor Vest, while Isaac Henry will also make his comeback from a hand injury suffered in Round 1.

After impressing in his starting debut last week, Taj Annan will provide strike as a finisher with Tom Lynagh ruled out with concussion after last round’s narrow win over the Drua.

After impressing in 2022’s inaugural Queensland Challenger Series and Tour of Japan, Souths prop and Nudgee product Sula-Siaosi will potentially make his Super Rugby debut with Sef Fa’agase suspended. 

Melbourne Rebels v Queensland Reds, Saturday 25 March, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 6:35pm AEST. Watch live via Nine Gem and Stan Sport.

  1. Dane Zander – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Albany Creek Brumbies
  2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
  3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
  4. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
  5. Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
  6. Liam Wright (cc) – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School – Easts
  7. Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
  8. Harry Wilson* – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
  9. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
  10. James O’Connor – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
  11. Filipo Daugunu – Wests – Dogotuki District School, Fjii
  12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
  13. Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
  14. Jordan Petaia – Wests – Brisbane State High School
  15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
  16. Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
  17. Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
  18. Phransis Sula-Siaosi** – Souths – St Joseph’s Nudgee College**
  19. Jake Upfield – Bond University – The Southport School
  20. Connor Anderson – Wests – Brisbane State High School – Everton Park Roosters
  21. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
  22. Isaac Henry – Wests – Brisbane Boys College – Kenmore Bears
  23. Taj Annan – Souths – Brisbane Boys College – Merewether Carlton

*denotes 50th Queensland cap

**denotes Super Rugby Pacific debut

Content & Images from – Queensland Reds Rugby


Super Rugby

Family the motivator for Whitelock’s French move

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The 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season will be Samuel Whitelock’s last with the Crusaders.

 

The veteran Crusader and All Black has taken up a two-year deal with Section Pau in the South of France, where he’ll link up with younger brother Luke Whitelock who joined the Top 14 club in 2019.

 

“Hannah, the kids and myself are going to head to France to play with my little brother Luke,” Whitelock said.

 

“I’ve had the privilege of playing with family for Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks at different stages and this opportunity was too good to pass up.”

 

Whitelock debuted for Canterbury in 2008 and the Crusaders in 2010. He is Crusader #142 and has currently played 176 games for the franchise – second only to Wyatt Crockett (203). He’s been a part of six championship campaigns and captained the side for several seasons.

 

“I want to say thank you to everyone for their support through the years, it’s been absolutely immense,” Whitelock said.

 

You’ve helped me grow, you’ve helped me develop as a player”, but most importantly as a person.”

 

There are few players in Crusaders history who have made a mark like Sam Whitelock. A mainstay for generations of fans, his presence on the field brought confidence to both the playing group and the fans.

 

The same could be said for his impact on the All Blacks, having earned many All Blacks caps as captain and respect across the globe as a rugby role model.

 

Scott Robertson, Crusaders Head Coach, said Whitelock was an “iconic rugby player” who had taught him a lot throughout his coaching career.

 

“He’s iconic because of his consistency in form at all levels, spanning three decades and being at the top of his game throughout that time,” Robertson said.

 

He said Whitelock’s game understanding and “his ability to win big moments in big games” set him apart.

 

“He has an innate ability to connect the group and know what needs to be said at the right time on and off the field.”

 

“He’s a great mate and a pleasure to coach.”

 

“If there’s one player who lives the Crusaders culture it’s him, through consistency, his daily habits and his leadership.”

 

Whitelock will join Pau after the Rugby World Cup.

Content & Images from – Crusaders Rugby


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Team Naming: Whitelock Back for Waratahs Game

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GettyImages 1475749280

The Crusaders have named their side to face the Waratahs in Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific ’23.

 

It’s the team’s last home game of the regular season before we get into finals. Kick off is Saturday at 4.35pm.

 

Codie Taylor takes up captaincy with Scott Barrett making the most of a rest week before some big showdowns. He’s joined in the front row by Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Tamaiti Williams.

 

Sam Whitelock returns this week, itching to take the field after a few weeks sidelined by injury. Both Codie Taylor and Scott Robertson spoke on Thursday morning about looking forward to having his leadership and wisdom back on the grass.

 

The dynamic duo of Mitch Drummond and Richie Mo’unga return at halfback and first five, their routine well-polished by now.

 

Look for some antics and acrobatics from Leicester Fainga’anuku and Dallas McLeod on the left and right wings, and a safe pair of hands at the rear with Fergus Burke as fullback.

 

Reuben O’Neill is set to make his Crusaders debut off the bench this week, the current Taranaki and former Chiefs player bolstering the front row stocks. He’s slotted in well with the team during trainings, Robertson saying he was “familiar to us” and helped relieve the burden on a front row depleted by injury. Brodie McAlister and Seb Calder make up the rest of the replacement front row.

 

The Crusaders go into this one second on the table, the Waratahs in sixth. There’s no discounting an Aussie side still within reach of a home quarter if the cards fall right for them. Expect a big contest.

Content & Images from – Crusaders Rugby


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Farewell to a legend

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The Highlanders will use the last home game of the year against the Reds on Friday 26th May to farewell Aaron Smith – their most capped player ever. All things going to plan Smith should play his 184th game against the Reds.

Smith joined the club in 2011 at the behest of the then new Highlander’s coach, Jamie Joseph, having previously been in the Blues wider training group, the rest as they say is history.

Widely recognised as one of the best halfbacks in the game his performances over the years have left fans, fellow players and the media in awe of his consistency, energy, skill level and competitiveness.

However, all good things come to an end and on Friday 26th May at 7.05pm Smith will suit up in his Highlanders jersey and run out of the stadium tunnel to be greeted by a home crowd for the last time, from next year he is signed to play in the Japanese League.

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark appreciates it will be a significant moment in the club’s history.

“Aaron has given so much to the club and rugby public in this region. Saying good-bye is not a moment that many will be looking forward to, but he so richly deserves this one last opportunity to sign off an amazing Highlanders career in front of his home crowd.  No doubt It will be a very special occasion for Aaron, Teagan and his children Luka and Leo, we hope it will be a night to remember for all.”

Head Coach Clarke Dermody acknowledges it will be an extra special night for his All-Black halfback.

“He’s been leading our team around the park for the last decade or so and he epitomises everything that a professional player should be – always prepared, highly skilled, competitive, and passionate about his team. He deserves all the recognition he gets, and he has worked very hard for it. Knowing Aaron, he will treat it like any other week, go through his routines, preparing accurately and give it his best on the night. I know I won’t be alone in reflecting on his enormous contribution to rugby in our region as his last home game comes to an end.”

Fans will have another opportunity to watch the master in action when the Highlanders take on the Rebels this Saturday at 4.35pm.

Book your seat to witness history here 

ENDS

Content & Images from – Highlanders Rugby


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