Queensland Reds
19
Match Complete
Highlanders
27
| 66 |  | M. Banks | ||
| 65 |  | F. Fakatava | ||
| 60 | | M. Banks | ||
| 59 | | S. Gregory | ||
| L. Creighton | | 54 | ||
| R. Smith | | 53 | ||
| 49 |  | M. Hunt | ||
| 40 | | M. Hunt | ||
| 33 | | M. Hunt | ||
| 32 | | T. Umaga-Jensen | ||
| L. Creighton | | 29 | ||
| J. Flook | | 28 | ||
| J. Campbell | | 16 |
| 3 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 2 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Super Rugby Pacific round 12 continues as the Queensland Reds taking on the Highlanders in a must win game at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:45pm AEST.
After a good win over the Brumbies in round seven, the Reds have struggled with form and even when they’ve won, they haven’t looked confident. The loss of key players, especially James O’Connor, has really impacted their fluid style of play and although others have stepped up, especially the likes of Fraser McReight, the team have lost two in a row and are slipping down the ladder.
The good news for the team and the fans is that Jordan Petaia, Suli Vunivalu, Seru Uru and Lukhan Salakaia-Lotoare back from injury and rejoin the starting line up tonight as coach Brad Thorn makes five changes. Unfortunately JOC is still out as are Taniela Tupou and Hunter Paisami.
That’s a lot of experience and go forward that is going to be missing from the Reds and while the Highlanders have been having their own struggles, the Reds won’t feel overly confident going into tonight’s game.
The Highlanders have promoted flanker James Lentjes to co captain alongside All Black Aaron Smith who has struggled to find his best form this season. Lentjes will have a big battle ahead of him against the Reds back row which has been one of the highlights of their season.
With the Highlanders continuing to be impacted by injuries that see key players such as Shannon Frizell missing, they are definitely having a tough season with just two wins so far.
A win against the Reds would be a fantastic way to bring some confidence and momentum back to the Kiwi side but it’s going to be a tough assignment. There’s some wet weather forecast so the set piece battle is likely to be even more crucial than usual.
Game Information
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEST)
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Reds $1.52, Highlanders $2.50 – odds via PlayUp
Reds (1-15): Harry Hoopert, Richie Asiata, Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Lawson Creighton, Jordan Petaia, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.
RESERVES: Matt Faessler, Dane Zander, Albert Anae, Angus Blyth, Angus Scott-Young, Spencer Jeans, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu.
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Liam Coltman, Jermaine Ainsley, Bryn Evans, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes (co-c), Billy Harmon, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Aaron Smith (co-c), Mitch Hunt, Scott Gregory, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop.
RESERVES: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Marty Banks, Mosese Dawai.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Totally correct Joe.. :thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
:thumbup: :thumbup:
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
No Davo, the Highlanders were in with a good chance against all the NZ teams and should have won some. They've been unlucky in many games, lost too many key players thru injury (and suspension) but always been competitive. And they've got excellent coaches. Yes, they've made mistakes in games which hasn't helped their cause but the rap they've had from some in the media doesn't reflect their true standing. Yesterday was more a reflection of the true Highlanders. They're still missing a number of key players and because of injury they've lacked x-factor on the wing at times and they're a bit light at 10. But no. They're the opposite of poor.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
“ Just get a decent drop and drink it neat “ I knew there was a reason, despite almost nothing in common and very little shared ground, I still liked you :stoked:
Joe King
Roar Rookie
I think the common theme is no JOC. Just highlights the lack of depth in Oz.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
16 Jokerman, wouldn't be one Nick Berry would it?
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
For completeness credit to the Southlanders too. And I did hear a cry of "O -taaa -go" ring out across the stadium last night!
Malotru
Roar Rookie
The same tips as me including Blues and Landers Crow, let's hope we are right. MP won't be an easybeat, Chiefs and Saders I'm more confident about.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Don't bet on it Wallabies.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
He's the bees knees Oblonsky. Great on turnovers, breaking the line, defence, crisp precise passer and a pretty good kick. The complete package, will he start for the ABs at the RWC is the question. I believe he will.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
By and large he reffed one side James584. Missed a lot of side entries at the ruck from the Reds, the yellow against Josh Dickson was a bit harsh, but no way a red and the other yellow was soft. Reds appeared to be offside quite often but from memory only pinged once, Highlanders on the other hand…
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Really Red Rob, this isn't the place for insults simply because we disagree with what someone says. Agreed Rhys was out of order, but at the end of the day 'sticks and stones' and all that. You on the other hand are being far more malicious with your calling out and challenging people over the internet. I don't know about you, but I know one or two people who if they were to take up the challenge would be likely to take it up and one way or another it would end badly. Time to let it go everybody!!
Davo
Guest
Yes Tim I understand this about the competition. How are the Highlanders not a poor performing team in 2022? Can my comment not be justified by their results against other NZ teams?
Olly
Roar Rookie
I think Jim McKay was one of Oz best attacking coaches, not anymore. His reputation was also build on a backline that had QC in his Prime plus Will Genia. Playing a kicking game was a lot easier with the likes of QC covering any kick returns. IMO the Brumbies and Tahs attack is far superior to the Reds.
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Hehe
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Campbell can boot it too. My issue is that when they kick it and keep it infield it invites the opposition to run it back into their half and build from there - disastrous vs kiwi teams. They need to find touch to reset the defence, as jogging to a line out on half way is better than repeated phases of defence in your own half straight after kicking.
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
"The inability to clear their own half is an issue," Rhys..in one of the games when JP played fullback he kick the ball a huge distance probably 40-50 metres..so you do have a guy that can kick missiles...think Paisami can kick far also..
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
" Reds need a new attack coach"..Olly I am not sure about this but Jim mckay is one of Oz best attacking coaches..that is if he is still the backline coach...
Malotru
Roar Rookie
But he couldn't run through wet paper Oblonsky.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Berry only reffed one side Jokerman.