1 day Ago By Murray Wenzel
The Queensland Reds have restocked for their top-of-the-table clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton, but left an ace up their sleeve after naming in-form No.10 Tom Lynagh on the bench. Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson are among seven Wallabies returning on Friday for the Reds, who occupy Super Rugby's top rung for the first time since 2012.
Fullback Jock Campbell (wrist) will start on the bench alongside Lynagh, giving Harry McLaughlin-Phillips another shot in the No.10 alongside captain and halfback Tate McDermott. Hooker Matt Faessler is also back from injury, so too Hunter Paisami (nose) in the centres with 20-year-old powerhouse Dre Pakeho, as strike weapon Filipo Daugunu shifts to the wing.
Seru Uru and Tim Ryan have been rested for the clash with the sides 3-3 in recent meetings, four of those in games decided by less than seven points. But the Chiefs are 19-2 in their last 21 games at FMG Stadium and dominated the Reds there in last season's quarter-final. "We've shown we are robust and resilient and that our skills have come through to solve problems at the right time," coach Les Kiss said.
"This is another challenge to aim up to in Hamilton against a team that has shown they are right on top of their game." Meanwhile, Dan Botha will start ahead of Test star Taniela Tupou in the front row for the NSW Waratahs against Moana Pasifika in Auckland on Saturday. "I had a good conversation with Taniela about this selection," coach Dan McKellar said of Tupou's move to the bench.
"He understands that he has a massive role to play when he comes on, bringing energy, power and leadership in that crucial final period."His ability to change the momentum of a game is a real asset for us." Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start at fullback in his second game since returning from a foot injury.
Named in the centres last week, the cross-code star spent time at the back after incumbent Max Jorgensen was forced off with an ankle injury. "He can provide the stability and counter-attacking ability we need at fullback, particularly against a team that likes to play expansively like Moana Pasifika," McKellar said. Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa will return for the Western Force along with backrower Vaiolini Ekuasi against the Highlanders in Perth on Saturday.
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