Vunivalu to start for Reds against Brumbies
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV from their victory over Melbourne for Saturday’s clash against the Brumbies in Canberra.
After impressing in his first Super Rugby match a fortnight ago, Suliasi Vunivalu will make his starting debut on the wing seeing Jordan Petaia shift to his preferred position at outside centre with Hunter Paisami named at No.12.
Suspended following a red card against Argentina while playing for the Wallabies late last year, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will make his return this weekend at lock.
His inclusion in the starting side sees the versatile Seru Uru on the bench replacing Sam Wallis in one-of-four changes to the Reds’ reserves.
With Feao Fotuaika suspended for the next three matches, Zane Nonggorr will look to add to his three Queensland caps with his first appearance in the matchday 23 this season as a replacement tighthead prop.
The Reds welcome back a further two players – both of whom are returning from injury, with hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa overcoming a neck injury and centre Josh Flook from a dislocated shoulder suffered against the Force on the Gold Coast in August last year.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: "We’re expecting another tough battle against the Brumbies on Saturday.
"Suliasi has been working hard at training and gets his chance to start this weekend. It’s also great to get some guys back with Lukhan, Brandon and also Josh Flook all making their playing returns either from suspension or injury," said Thorn.
Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor (captain), 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Dane Zander.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Ryan Smith, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Josh Flook.
Date: Saturday, March 13
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 19.45 (18.45 AEST; 08.45 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Jordan Way, Amy Perrett
TMO: James Leckie