The return of flyhalf Tom Lynagh highlights the announcement of the Queensland Reds team for Saturday’s kick-off to the Swyftx Super Rugby AUS competition at Ballymore Stadium.
The Reds will take on the Western Force in an appealing afternoon timeslot from 1:30pm AEST.
Tickets: Queensland Reds v Western Force
The Reds side is an exciting blend of players with Test experience, Super Rugby regulars, Reds squad members on the rise, Buildcorp Reds Academy players and standout club performers.
Lynagh, hooker Matt Faessler and centre Josh Flook offer Wallabies’ experience and class in the starting side while prop Zane Nonggorr and fullback Jock Campbell will do the same from the bench.
Lynagh, Wallabies flyhalf against the British and Irish Lions last year, is returning to action after calf and hamstring issues limited his Super Rugby Pacific season to a single appearance.
The Reds will be captained for the first time by winger Lachie Anderson.
"It's exciting. I've been working with the team for two weeks now. Quite often, pre-season is about working without a reference point but we get one with this game," new Reds Head Coach Vern Cotter said.
"It's one for us as coaches as well against a good side.
"I'm really enjoying Tom in a playmaker role. He's got a great head on his shoulders. He sees the game well. He's calm and decisive.
"With the niggles he has had, we will probably be a bit careful with him so it probably won't be 80 minutes but certainly a good 40 minutes to start with.
"Lachie Anderson will have a big role in leading as well. He's a natural leader. He's a charismatic personality and I think he federates people which is what leaders have to do.
"A competition like this is about opportunities and players taking theirs to show their wares."
Included is inside centre Josh Takai, a strong-running member of the Australian Uncer-20s who scored the match-clinching try for Brothers’ reserve grade side in their recent grand final at Ballymore.
“It’s definitely exciting. I’ve felt the level of training rising over the past few weeks. You couldn’t ask for more by getting a chance with Tom on the inside and ‘Flooky’ on the outside,” Takai, 20, said.
There is reward for Norths halfback Mosiah Christian, one of the high-achievers in this year’s Sumo Energy Hospital Cup. His performances have earned him a starting position and he will get to combine with Will McCulloch, the in-form Norths fullback who made his Reds debut against Tonga last year.
University of Queensland Colts halfback Cooper Stewart and compact Easts centre Jake Pappin are two others rewarded for their strong club performances.
Joe Brial, Australia U20s captain Tom Robinson and John Bryant will form a quality backrow with high-impact Vaiuta Latu coming off the bench.
The four-club Super Rugby AUS competition aims to provide valuable extra games on the calendar to help the development of players for Super Rugby Pacific.
For Cotter, Saturday will also be a valuable first game day with his assistants Zane Hilton, Peter Hewat and Craig McGrath.
Saturday, September 12
Ballymore Stadium
Tickets: Queensland Reds v Western Force
1:30pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport and free-to-air on rugby.com.au and YouTube
1 George Blake – Bond University
2 Matt Faessler – Brothers
3 Nick Bloomfield – Easts
4 Will Ross – Brothers
5 Charlie Brosnan – Brothers
6 Tom Robinson – University of Queensland
7 John Bryant – Souths
8 Joe Brial – University of Queensland
9 Mosiah Christian – Norths
10 Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland
11 Tim Ryan – Brothers
12 Josh Takai – Brothers
13 Josh Flook – Brothers
14 Lachie Anderson (c) – University of Queensland
15 Will McCulloch - Norths
16 Zac Hough – University of Queensland
17 Harrison Usher – Bond University
18 Zane Nonggorr – Bond University
19 Kenny Harris – Bond University
20 Vaiuta Latu – Brothers
21 Cooper Stewart – University of Queensland
22 Ben Volavola – Sunnybank
23 Jake Pappin – Easts
24 Trevor King – Souths
25 Jock Campbell – University of Queensland
