Expert
Fijian Drua
41
Match Complete
Queensland Reds
17
K. Valetini | 75 | |||
J. Tamani | 73 | |||
F. Lomani | 59 | |||
T. Ikanivere | 58 | |||
F. Lomani | 52 | |||
M. Doge | 50 | |||
F. Lomani | 43 | |||
V. Miramira | 31 | |||
27 | J. O'Connor | |||
22 | J. O'Connor | |||
21 | F. McReight | |||
K. Ravouvou | 17 | |||
8 | J. O'Connor | |||
7 | R. Smith | |||
C. Muntz | 5 | |||
S. Ravutaumada | 3 |
6 | Tries | 2 | ||
4 | Conversions | 2 | ||
1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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James O’Connor has been picked at No.10 for the Reds’ must win visit to Fiji. Join The Roar for live updates from 2.30pm AEST.
The veteran has been playing at No.12 in recent weeks but he replaces Tom Lynagh at flyhalf with the youngster benched as one of five changes from Brad Thorn to the starting XV from the loss last week.
Ryan Smith returns to the starting side after recovering from a calf injury, while Seru Uru, who was ruled out with illness last round, replaces injured co-captain Liam Wright.
Hunter Paisami runs on at inside centre after making his comeback from a knee injury against the Highlanders last Friday night.
Filipo Daugunu also returns to play his first Super Rugby match in his home country.
After clearing return to play protocols from concussion, Tate McDermott will captain the side at scrumhalf, partnering O’Connor in an experienced halves combination.
Paisami’s successful return from a knee injury sees him start at inside-centre alongside Josh Flook in the centres, with Jock Campbell running on at fullback.
Fijian duo Daugunu and Suliasi Vunivalu, who yesterday re-signed with the Reds through 2025, will both feature in their birth country on the wings.
Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr make for an unchanged backrow, while Smith comes into the side at lock in place of the injured Connor Vest.
Angus Blyth starts in the second row as Queensland look to keep their finals hopes alive.
After missing last week’s match with illness, Uru starts alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson in the backrow.
Game information
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Suva.
Kick-off time: 2.35pm AEST
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Drua $2.30 Reds $1.63 – Odds via PlayUp
Drua: Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila,Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Teti Tela, Iosefo Masi, Eroni Sau, Selestino Ravutaumada.
Replacements: Mesu Dolokoto, Meli Tuni, Samuela Tawake, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Michael Naitokani
Reds (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Lopeti Faifua, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Lawson Creighton
Referee: Paul Williams
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