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 |
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
John Ferguson
Expert
I think Faessler had a quiet game, plus some poor throwing today. But in a losing side he has been good Goady, I’ll give him that.
mused6
Roar Rookie
Not one of the wallabies mentioned could get a handle on the team and calm everyone down. Players trying to make effort plays only added more errors. But the same thing has happened to other teams in Fiji when the home team gets a roll on. And they have lost also. Part of me thinks that Wilson’s pre match, mid week comments didn’t help things either. We were given no quarter by old mate with the whistle.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
No not thin skin. Just sick of kiwi trolls on these pages
IanT
Roar Rookie
Wow - thin skin for someone who is prepared to dish it out. Fyi 100% means every single one so just a bit of false information there.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Can't admit it Ian? 100% of your comments are anti Aussie. What are you doing on here but trolling? Just p off mate you do nothing to contribute
Bobby
Roar Rookie
If the Reds were savy, they wouldn't be answering any calls from JOC or his manager. Boy, is he done !
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
And Brad effectively removed most of his better players ( one way or another!)
IanT
Roar Rookie
My point exactly
IanT
Roar Rookie
Lol - who said anything about loathing Australians. You are all great comedians
Jonesy
Roar Rookie
Going to be a tough few years I suspect as we have major roster and retention issues as well. Big challenges ahead for whoever the next HC is.
shoremen
Roar Rookie
And to think only a few weeks ago the so called Roar “experts” were calling for JOC to be selected in the upcoming Wallaby squad.
Toulouse Lautrec
Roar Rookie
Kefu would be a bad choice, he has merit being in the structure somewhere, but we need a seasoned coach with a fresh look and a massive amount of recruiting done
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Crickey, didn’t realise they could lose the last two and still make it.
TC
Roar Rookie
Reds Harry..Correct..They need a Twiggy Figure to get the money where it is needed
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
We need someone who is a strong technical coach. It's a technical position!!! Not a job for your f##$&& mates.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Maybe but the only worse payers that Australian SR teams are the Drua and Moana.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Unless the Force upset the Chiefs the Reds will actually play next week. Regardless there is a lot to do. Most importantly they need 4 or 5 experienced recruits. At least 2 quality props for starters. And another quality second row. With Thorn gone, it might be possible to get someone like Hockings or LSL back. What I do know is there are several players who aren’t of SR standard and never will be and have to go.
Wallabies124
Roar Rookie
Fraser and Tate were both terrible no one in that reds went twas ok
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Thanks Colvin. What a mediocre season they had.
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
Toutai Kefu has said he's keen. Done well with Tonga over the years, already in the Reds setup as vice president I think, played for them for years. He's not a bad option. Depends who he gets around him as well. Hopefully he can attract someone like QC or Genia to come in as an assistant in 2025, both close to retirement surely and both good rugby minds that could certainly adapt to coaching.