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The Reds will be without prop Sef Fa’agase for Friday’s clash against the Rebels, while star Melbourne recruit Taniela Tupou is vowing he won’t allow the match with his former side to become personal as they strive for three wins on the trot.
As reported by The Roar on Tuesday, George Blake is set to replace Fa’agase after the loose-head prop copped a four-match ban for his tackle on Chiefs flanker Simon Parker. It’s just one of a number of changes expected, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips firming for a debut start.
While referee Ben O’Keeffe allowed play to continue, Fa’agase was forced from the field shortly after making head contact with Parker in the 36th minute.
But the SANZAAR Judicial Committee saw things differently, saying Fa’agase didn’t do enough to avoid the contact despite an obvious dip in the legs and hips.
“Following the World Rugby Head Contact Process (HCP), the Committee assessed the player’s actions as having directly contacted the head, at speed, with high force and without the required mitigating factors to warrant a reduction from a red card,” Judicial Committee Chair, Michael Heron KC said.
The Judicial Committee thoroughly considered all factors of World Rugby’s Head Contact Process and sanctioning table and concluded that the foul play warranted a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks. After taking into account mitigating factors such as the Player’s remorse, disciplinary history, and conduct throughout the hearing, the sanction was reduced to 4 weeks.”
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Reds prop Sef Fa’agase has copped a four-match ban for a high shot on Chiefs flanker Simon Parker. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
His absence will likely see Peni Ravai called up to start, with the Fijian international to face a big test against Tupou following the Wallaby’s high profile move down south.
The Test prop joined the Rebels this season on a huge money deal, having started his career with the Reds back in 2016 and going on to win 88 caps.
Melbourne have a number of other former Queensland players in their side, including lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, prop Sam Talakai, hooker Alex Mafi and outside back Filipo Daugunu – all of whom have started the season strongly.
Ahead of their round four Friday night clash at AAMI Park, Tupou said he still has plenty of close mates in the Reds ranks and has been happy to see them start the season – like the Rebels – with two wins from three games.
Queensland turned in a rock-solid defensive display to shock the title-favourite Chiefs last weekend, and sit third on the ladder.
Taniela Tupou says he doesn’t want to make Friday’s clash against his former club “personal”, but he won’t shy away from trying to hurt his old teammates. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
Melbourne ran over the top of Moana Pasifika in New Zealand and are in fourth spot.
“I watched the game and they’re looking really good – Les Kiss and the coaching staff are doing a really good job,” Tupou said.
He admitted facing his good mates was something he’d struggled with in the past.
“I used to find it hard to go against guys I’d known for a long time, my mates, but now if I have to hurt them to make us win then I have to do it,” Tupou said.
“It’s something I struggled with in the past but I’ve got better over time.”
The 27-year-old Wallabies front-rower said he won’t let the personal nature of the match-up become a distraction.
“It’s just another game,” he said.
“Coming into this week, I don’t want to look at it and make it personal, I will just try and focus on what we do here and do whatever it takes to get us the win.”
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