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Highlanders
35
Match Complete
Queensland Reds
30
| F. Burns |  | 78 | ||
| F. Fakatava |  | 77 | ||
| 72 |  | T. Lynagh | ||
| S. Gilbert | | 68 | ||
| C. Garden-Bachop | | 66 | ||
| S. Gilbert | | 59 | ||
| S. Mau | | 58 | ||
| 56 | | T. Lynagh | ||
| 43 | | T. Lynagh | ||
| 38 | | T. Lynagh | ||
| 37 | | S. Vunivalu | ||
| S. Gilbert | | 27 | ||
| H. Renton | | 26 | ||
| S. Gilbert | | 17 | ||
| J. Nareki | | 16 | ||
| 12 | | T. Lynagh | ||
| 11 | | J. Upfield | ||
| 8 | | T. Lynagh | ||
| 7 | | L. Wright |
| 5 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 3 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
The Queensland Reds look to claim victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium for the first time since 2013 and keep their finals hopes ticking. Join The Roar for live updates from 5.00pm AEST.
The ninth-placed Highlanders are looking at a tight finish to make the top eight, with the Force only three points ahead in eighth and the Reds another point above in seventh.
Reds coach Brad Thorn has made six changes to the starting XV who lost to the Blues last week. Hunter Paisami makes his return to the bench, recovering from a knee injury in Round 5. James O’Connor is back from the concussion he suffered and reprises the No.12 role. Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr form a new-look front row combination. Angus Blyth and Connor Vest start as locks for the third straight match.
The powerful Harry Wilson is back in the starting side, after a couple games on the bench. Seru Uru will act as backup to Wilson off the bench. Tom Lynagh runs on at No.10 for the first time since Round 3 as Lawson Creighton drops to the bench. Filipo Daugunu is ruled out with a foot injury and so winger Mac Grealy comes in at the left wing.
The Highlanders have made three changes to their starting lineup, following the last gasp win against the Rebels last week. Shannon Frizell moves into the back row again as Pari Pari Parkinson takes up one half of the second row. This forces Sean Withy to the bench. Fetuli Paea is out, meaning that Matt Whaanga is on for a debut at No.13 after Thomas Umaga-Jensen was withdrawn because of injury. Connor Garden-Bachop heads to the bench and Mitch Hunt is promoted from the bench to start at fullback.
Friday marks an important night for the Highlanders franchise as they say goodbye to Aaron Smith after 12 years. The veteran is the team’s most capped player with this weekend’s game being his 184th appearance. The legendary No.9 helped his team win the 2015 Super Rugby title.
“It’s sad but it’s exciting as well with the opportunity we have as a team,” Smith said. “I owe this place a lot. I owe Dunedin a lot. I owe the Highlanders a lot. I’ve got a lot of special moments on this field.
“I would just love nothing more than just a win this weekend, to be honest.”
Game Information
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium
Kick-off: 5:05 (AEST)
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Highlanders $1.42, Reds $2.90 – odds via Playup
Teams
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan De Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon, Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Matt Whaanga, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Dan Lienert-Brown, Saula Mau, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Connor Garden-Bachop, Scott Gregory.
Reds (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy, James O’Connor, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Jake Upfield, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Hunter Paisami.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill.
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.