Campbell back as Reds brace for Blues Anzac Day test

Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 2:29 AM
Murray Wenzel - AAP
by Murray Wenzel - AAP
Jock Campbell Try from Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific 2024

Jock Campbell will start for the first time this year as the refreshed Queensland Reds brace for a Blues backlash in their Anzac Day clash.

Fullback Campbell has played twice off the bench since returning from a fractured arm, but will bring composure to Friday's Suncorp Stadium encounter.

Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

Prop Massimo De Lutiis is also back in the squad and will come off the bench for some late power in the scrum.

Heremaia Murray will return to the bench for Campbell as the injury-hit Reds attempt to offset the absences of Filipo Daugunu, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Josh Nasser, Harry Wilson and Liam Wright.

The Reds lost twice before a bye last week to drop from first to fourth position with six rounds to play.

The Blues sit eighth after a slow start to their Super Rugby title defence, but boast a host of All Blacks stars who ran riot in a thrilling 41-34 win in the corresponding fixture last year.

Reds coach Les Kiss acknowledged the importance of last week's bye to refresh some tired bodies and minds, and that Campbell's smarts would be crucial against the Blues.

"It's a (Blues) team really coming back into form," Kiss said.

"Very wary ... they're a bit up and down by their own admission. They've had to navigate through some choppy waters, so we're going to need to be good."

The Blues will be smarting after an 82nd-minute James O'Connor penalty kick secured the Crusaders a 25-22 win last weekend.

Dalton Papali'i (ankle) and Caleb Clarke (thigh) will miss the clash for the Blues, while Beauden Barrett will come off the bench as he returns from illness.

Scrumhalf Finlay Christie has historically been a thorn in the Reds' side, while Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane and Zarn Sullivan will provide the midfield and backline strike.

REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell

Replacements: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo De Lutiis, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Heremaia Murray

BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu'a, Kurt Eklund, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cam Christie, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Mark Tele’a, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan

Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Laghlan McWhannell, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Beauden Barrett, Corey Evans

Share
Australia are ready for the high-stakes World Championship in LA. Photo: World Rugby
‘Like a mini-Olympics’: Australia Sevens eager for Los Angeles World Championship
Beale reflects on 'long journey' back to Force side
Australia U20s coach Chris Whitaker is ready for the unique challenge of Thursday's Rugby Championship U20s opener against New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
‘Going in blind’: Australia U20s embracing baby Bledisloe challenge as road to World Championship begin
'Most attractive in the world': Reds boss confident club will fill Kiss void