More than halfway through the 2021 Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU season and the Queensland Reds are out in front.
The Brumbies are back from the bye and will host the Western Force to open Round Six at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Friday night from 7.45pm AEDT.
Then, the age old rivalry returns when the NSW Waratahs host the Queensland Reds at Stadium Australia on Saturday 27 March from 7.45pm AEDT.
All your team news here from 5pm AEDT ahead of Round Six of Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU.
Friday 26 March 7.45pm AEDT – Brumbies v Western Force at GIO Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
Want to get to the game? Make sure you’ve got your tickets beforehand!
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar was busy over the bye period, and we even thought he may have to pull on the long studs at one point, such is the injury curse in the Brumbies front-row.
James Slipper makes a timely return alongside debutants Fred Kauhea and Sefo Kautai while Tom Cusack is out.
The Western Force are juggling a few injuries of their own with backline stars Richard Kahui and Rob Kearney missing out on selection this week.
Jono Lance returns to the matchday 23, as does rookie sensation Jordan Olowofela who joined the Force from UK side Leicester just over a month ago.
Force coach Tim Sampson said: “We’ve got to play smart and not allow them to make easy entries into our defensive area. We need to frustrate the Brumbies and make them work hard,” he said.
“They like to come out of the blocks quickly, so I’m expecting a high tempo contest throughout.”
BRUMBIES (1-15): Harry Lloyd, Folau Fainga'a, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White (c), Noah Lolesio, Mack Hansen, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Banks
Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Fred Kauhea, Sefo Kautai, James Tucker, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Reesjan Pasitoa, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
INs: James Slipper, Fred Kauhea, Sefo Kautai, James Tucker, Rory Scott
OUTs: Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Tom Cusack, Nick Frost, Archer Holz
WESTERN FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu'u, Greg Holmes, Jeremy Thrush, Sitaleki Timani, Fergus Lee Warner, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander (c), Tomas Cubelli, Jake McIntrye, Marcel Brache, Henry Taefu, Tevita Kuridrani, Byron Ralston, Jack McGregor
Reserves: Jack Winchester, Angus Wagner, Santiago Medrano, Ryan McCauley, Tim Anstee, Ian Prior, Jono Lance, Jordan Olowofela
INs: Jordan Olowofela, Jono Lance
OUTs: Richard Kahui, Rob Kearney
Saturday 27 March 7:45pm AEDT – NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds at Stadium Australia, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport and simulcast on 9Gem.
Get down to the game! Make sure you’ve got your tickets beforehand!
The oldest rivalry in Australian sport is back for another edition on Saturday night at Stadium Australia and the Waratahs have been dealt a blow, with star duo Jack Dempsey and Lachie Swinton ruled out.
The two injuries has forced Rob Penney into a forward shuffle with veteran Sam Wykes into start while Max Douglas is drafted onto the bench.
Off-season recruit Izaia Perese returns from suspension while Wallabies prop Angus Bell has overcome injury to start from the bench.
Meanwhile Brad Thorn has rotated his side to allow a start for in-form loose forward Seru Uru. Uru will start at number 8 in place of Wallabies star Harry Wilson who moves to the bench.
Filipo Daugunu resumes his starting role in place of Ilaise Droasese.
Reds coach Brad Thorn said: “After a big pre-season, Seru has been in some really good form and has earned his opportunity to get a start this week. “This will be Ryan Smith’s first start in Super Rugby. It’s good pay for his constant hard work in our program and his development. “While at the other end, Angus Scott-Young will play his 50thgame for Queensland. He’s a leader on-and-off the field and as a group, we congratulate him on this achievement,” said Thorn.
NSW WARATAHS (1-15): Harry Johnson-Holmes, David Porecki, Tetara Faulkner, Sam Wykes, Sam Caird, Hugh Sinclair, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, James Ramm, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Alex Newsome (c), Jack Maddocks
Reserves: Tom Horton, Angus Bell, Darcy Breen, Jeremy Williams, Max Douglas, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed, Mark Nawaqanitawase
INs: Izaia Perese, Angus Bell, Max Douglas
OUTs: Lachie Swinton, Jack Dempsey, Tepai Moeroa
QUEENSLAND REDS (1-15): Dane Zander, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Ryan Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor (c), Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Alex Mafi, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Harry Wilson, Sam Wallis, Kalani Thomas, Hamish Stewart, Bryce Hegarty
INs: Sam Wallis, Filipo Daugunu
OUTs: Angus Blyth, Ilaise Droasese
