The Reds host the Waratahs in Roma this weekend for their final trial before Super Rugby Pacific kicks off.
Team lists have been announced. The Reds look to have named a traditional 23 plus three additional players.
Reds squad
1. Dane Zander
2. Josh Nasser
3. Feao Fotuaika
4. Angus Blyth
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Liam Wright
7. Fraser McReight
8. Harry Wilson
9. Kalani Thomas
10. James O’Connor
11. Filipo Daugunu
12. Hamish Stewart
13. Josh Flook
14. Jordan Petaia
15. Jock Campbell
16. Alex Mafi
17. Harry Hoopert
18. Taniela Tupou
19. Seru Uru
20. Angus Scott-Young
21. Spencer Jeans
22. Floyd Aubrey
23. Mac Grealy
24. Ryan Smith
25. Lawson Creighton
26. Taj Annan
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
They still have some key players to bring back in to the squad, with Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry and Suliasi Vunivalu notable absences.
The big selection to me is Petaia on the wing despite comments last week that he’d be trialled at fullback.
Perhaps Campbell will spend some time at ten and he’ll shift during the game.
Mac Grealy and Floyd Aubrey are both fullbacks so nothing is set in stone there.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs look to have named two full 15s.
Waratahs squad
1. Angus Bell
2. Tom Horton
3. Harry Johnson-Holmes
4. Jed Holloway
5. Geoff Cridge
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Charlie Gamble
8. Will Harris
9. Jake Gordon
10. Ben Donaldson
11. James Turner
12. Lalakai Foketi
13. Izaia Perese
14. Dylan Pietsch
15. Alex Newsom
1. Tetera Faulkner
2. Mahe Vailanu
3. Tiaan Tauakipulu
4. Max Douglas
5. Jeremy Williams
6. Langi Gleeson
7. Tom Silk
8. Hugh Sinclair
9. Henry Robertson
10. Tane Edmed
11. Tevita Funa
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Nick Chan
14. Triston Reilly
15. James Ramm
I’m excited to have my first looks at Dylan Pietsch and Jamie Roberts, a couple of guys that along with Tevita Funa can seriously increase the size of the Waratahs’ back line.
My biggest question is where is Carlo Tizzano? He’s not played any of the trials with Tom Silk getting the minutes.
We’re excited to announce the launch of The Roar Rugby Podcast co-hosted by our experts Brett McKay and Harry Jones and featuring some special guests. You can check out the trailer below and the guys will be back for a full Super Rugby preview on Wednesday.
I am also wondering if the two sides named mean that Dave Porecki, Ruan Smith, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Jack Grant, Ratu Luke Nadurutalo and Mark Nawaqanitawase are under injury clouds or are just down the pecking order.
Michael Hooper, Ned Hanigan and Will Harrison are all to come in during the season.
This may only be a pre-season hit-out, but I for one can’t wait.
The match will be broadcast on the Reds’ website; kick-off at 7:30pm Queensland time.
Rugbytrylover
Roar Rookie
Well baited... they’ll beat the Reds..
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I really liked the look of Robertson and Edmed off the bench for the Tahs
jeznez
Roar Guru
Great to get a win although that was scrappier than the match v the Brumbies in the rain. Not sure the selection questions that are open got answered but some good performances after that mystery (black out induced) late kick off. Tonga Fund raiser is the curtain raiser for the Reds/Rebels next week, I think.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Caught the second half during the power delay before kick off tonight. Harry still looks good with ball in hand and ran some nice cover lines but is going to struggle to develop in the areas he most needs to if he is going to challenge for a Wallabies role. He doesn't get to jump in lineouts with Wright, Uru and Scott-Young and he's only played on an edge as the side prefers Wright in the midfield. Has to learn to impose himself in tighter and in defence but isn't allowed by the Reds systems. Going to be an interesting season to see how he can build. Looks in good nick.
Stin
Roar Rookie
Tahs looking excellent. For once… Btw - can anyone tell me when the Tonga fundraiser is on? Or have I missed it?
The Moondawwg
Roar Rookie
Yep! didn't reply as I was making the pancake mix for sprogs tomorrow. Feel it's gonna be a late night!
The Moondawwg
Roar Rookie
Did you watch the Tahs last year? they need the extra hour on the Reds!@
Stin
Roar Rookie
9:50pm start Sydney time. Love a late game….
tsuru
Roar Rookie
There we go - kickoff at 8:50 Qld time. That's just about bed time in rural Queensland.
Stin
Roar Rookie
I cleared my diary for this!!! grrr
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Looks like they're starting. . . or maybe just the music.
savant
Roar Rookie
Apparently power is back on and game is rescheduled to start at 8.50. Dont know about the stream.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
OK, I see it now. Small writing under the "preseason match" heading. This is just illustrating the comments above complaining about the lack of communication on most Super Team sites.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Where did you get the "power outage" news from, Moondawwg? I've been looking for a clue for 45 minutes now.
The Moondawwg
Roar Rookie
...It's been updated stating a power outage.
The Moondawwg
Roar Rookie
...It's been updated stating a power outage.
The Moondawwg
Roar Rookie
Has anyone heard anything about the 'delayed kickoff' stated on the Reds Rugby stream? Feeling like a Covid cancellation is coming on right now. Anyone got some answers?
The Moondawwg
Roar Rookie
Right! Feeling like a Covid cancellation is coming on right now. Anyone got some answers? (also creating a new comment not on a reply)
Stin
Roar Rookie
Any idea what’s going on with the live stream?
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
Food rewards :laughing: