Queensland Reds
34
Match Complete
Moana Pasifika
22
| 81 |  | L. McClutchie | ||
| 80 |  | H. Time-Stowers | ||
| L. Creighton | | 70 | ||
| H. Wilson | | 69 | ||
| J. O'Connor |  | 49 | ||
| 46 | | S. Tu'ipulotu | ||
| J. Campbell | | 38 | ||
| 29 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 26 | ||
| H. Hoopert | | 25 | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 14 | ||
| F. McReight | | 13 | ||
| J. Campbell | | 10 | ||
| 5 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 4 | | S. Funaki |
| 5 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Queensland Reds will be hoping for a big win over the Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane as they desperately try to stop their slide down the ladder and build some momentum into the finals. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:45pm AEST.
The Reds haven’t won since round nine when they snuck past the Rebels. In the weeks since, they’ve been undone by the Kiwi sides time after time and all their form and momentum has been blown away. Today they should pick up a win but they will need to go big. They are five points behind the Chiefs who are in fourth place but the Reds’ final game of the regular season is away to the Crusaders and so this could be their last chance to pick up maximum points and make a move for the finals.
The good news for the Queenslanders is that crucial back rowers Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight are back and will join forces with Seru Uru.
Hamish Stewart returns to the starting line up and will play just outside James O’Connor. JOC is playing his 50th match for the Reds but it feels like he’s been there longer. He’s absolutely crucial to the Reds hopes of silverware this season and with no Hunter Paisami, he will be missing a key weapon in his backline.
For Moana Pasifika, there are some exciting changes to their line up. Up front there’s good stability and consistency in the back row while Abraham Pole starts at prop having become the team’s top try scorer this season after crossing the white line for the fourth time last week.
Jonathan Taumateine and Christian Lealiifano are brought back into the halves to bring a combination of youth and experience while the in form centres of Danny Toala and Solomone Kata play together again. They’ve been one of the highlights of the Pasifika’s opening season and the Reds will have to watch them very carefully.
Game Information
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEST)
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Reds $1.07, Moana Pasifika $8.00 – odds via PlayUp
Reds (1-15): Harry Hoopert, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu.
Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Sekope Kepu (c), Michael Curry, Sam Slade, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Henry Time-Stowers, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali’ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Solomone Kata, Tomasi Alosio, William Havili.
Reserves: Luteru Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe ‘Apiokotoa, Alex McRobbie, Jack Lam, Ereatara Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Henry Taefu.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Could not possibly have said it better :thumbup:
Greysy
Roar Rookie
Tongan and Paul is right, he does this after every match. Started the season by asking if he could say something in Tongan first before the interview, but I'm guessing they now know he does it every time, so there's now no need.
Greysy
Roar Rookie
You're a c#@t.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Yeah I think that’s a great combination and how I’d generally like to see the wallabies do it
Malotru
Roar Rookie
'Caus the players are pretty much standing still when they get the ball TMK. In consequence they seldom end up running straight and either pass to another static player, or crab across the pitch. Either way they are seldom able to make any significant line breaks and usually end up as easy targets for the defence. It's still happening in most Aussie sides, although I think the Waratahs are setting up direct running plays much better than last year.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
So, what language IS he speaking. Tongan, Samoan, Fijian or Maori ?
Handles
Roar Guru
Is it rude to expect everyone to speak the same language as you?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Seriously ANOTHER dud call by match officials.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
He has looked good since day one. And plays bigger than his frame. Though there a few ahead of him Rhys.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
His grammar isn’t very good. Neither is his tolerance.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Maybe it is rude to expect everyone to speak YOUR language.
Boosho
Roar Pro
Do you mean "speak in a foreign language"?
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
True. White does the first 55min or so Tate the last 25 - perfect combo. Probably the 2 form ozzie players in the comp
Tim J
Roar Rookie
And in Australia they have welcome to Country and acknowledging the past present and emerging.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I think it's a nice nod to their culture and supporters. He gets around to the question in English but he does a small call out first. I am fine with it, in fact I strongly approve. And of course, that means it's all right :)
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I'm wondering if Thorn's message has gotten old. The exodus of players and the performances aren't singing happy club
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Rugby is an international game and if players want to say something to people of their heritage in their own language, then that is fine. Australian rugby certainly benefits from having Pacific players here, I reckon we should just respect their choices without whinging on what is a very innocuous matter
Paul D
Roar Rookie
If you are referring to Kepu and the after game interview. It’s a pretty established trend that the first thing he says is always an acknowledgment to god, or family, supporters etc (I don’t speak the language but I know what’s going on) before he starts answering the questions. Most of the time the journo’s know this and give him a moment to say it first before really wanting an answer.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
BS? I agree as JOC looks to have been brought back too soon. They said the finals and yet to me this shows desperation from the Reds, I am surprised but obviously they wanted to give him a run before the finals.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
He looks hobbled again. Not good Timmy. Our best bet is we have the Brumbies instead of Saders in the Quarter Finals. That might get the juices flowing and rustle our Jimmie’s