Big name on Reds' bench for Brumbies clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Following their 25-point win over the Rebels in Melbourne, the Queensland Reds have made no changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash against the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium.

After a solid outing in his return to the starting side last week, Bryce Hegarty will again wear the No.15 jersey in what will be his 100th Super Rugby game. Born and bred in Brisbane, Hegarty made his Super Rugby debut for Melbourne in 2013 and went on to play 32 games for the Rebels. He played a further 30 matches for The Waratahs between 2016-2018 before returning home to Queensland in 2019 ahead of Saturday’s 38th appearance for the Reds.

In a further positive for the side, Liam Wright will make his eagerly awaited return from an ankle injury suffered in Queensland’s pre-season trial against the Waratahs back in February this year.

Wright’s comeback via the bench is the only change to the Reds’ reserves which sees the versatile Seru Uru switch to the No.19 jersey as a replacement lock option.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: "It’s always a tough contest against the Brumbies and we expect nothing different from them this weekend.

"We’re hoping for a big crowd on Saturday. We love playing in front of our Queensland fans at home.

"It’s great to have Liam back in the side this week. He’s been working hard on his rehab with our physio and S&C team for the past two months to ensure he’s strong and fit to return. His leadership amongst the group has only grown and we’re looking forward to having him back out there.

"Saturday night will also see Bryce bring up his 100th Super Rugby game which is a great achievement in this game. Nearly 40 of those are for Queensland and to bring up this milestone in front of friends and family at Suncorp Stadium will be a special moment for him," said Thorn.

Reds: 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Jock Campbell, 10 James O’Connor (captain), 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Ryan Smith, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Feao Fotuaika.

Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Richie Asiata, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Seru Uru, 20 Liam Wright, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Josh Flook, 23 Filipo Daugunu.

Date: Saturday, April 10

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT)

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Jordan Way

TMO: Brett Cronan