Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has been cleared to play for the Queensland Reds in Friday night’s Qualifying Final against the Crusaders in SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific.
The influential No.8 has today been named in the starting line-up for Christchurch after completing training at Ballymore Stadium on Tuesday.
Positive precautionary scans gave Wilson the all-clear to train after a knock to the arm forced him to leave the field late in last Saturday night’s big 52-7 win over the Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium.
“It’s really pleasing news for us but, more importantly, for Harry. He’s come through the early part of the week well,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
“He’s a true competitor when it comes to battles against the New Zealand sides and their top backrows.”
The Reds pack is unchanged for the third straight game. In the starting backline, Filipo Daugunu comes onto the wing. Tim Ryan will be utilised from the bench. Lachie Anderson will play his 50th Super Rugby game in the fixture.
“We have had continuity in the pack over the past few weeks and our front-row has been setting a great platform,” Kiss said.
“We have been rotating a bit in the backs. Filipo comes in and Tim will certainly add his skills as a finisher.”
Reds flyhalf Tom Lynagh said the confidence from the victory over the Drua had fed a strong start to the week.
“It was one of our most compete performances, I thought, so hopefully we get a lot of momentum from that,” Lynagh said.
“We’ll play our game in Christchurch. We won’t let the occasion really dictate but we know you’ve just got to play smart footy in finals.
“That’s balance, really, so you are playing in the right areas of the field. When things don’t go our way, it’s making sure you get little wins and stack them to get back momentum.”
Kiss said the challenge of playing the Crusaders on their home turf in the finals series is one to relish.
“The boys are really excited about finals footy,” Kiss said.
“The focus has been there in our preparation as it needs to be to play a well-rounded and dangerous Crusaders side who are very difficult to beat at home.
“Winning in Christchurch last year was an important game for the club. It gives us clues and confidence to put our best foot forward on Friday.
“In finals footy, playing to the 80th minute is very important. We’ve done that well over the past four weeks or so.
“You also know that at the critical moments, you need the clarity to take them.”
The Reds will fly out to Christchurch on Wednesday night.
Qualifying Final
Friday, June 6
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
5:05pm AEST
Watch live on Stan Sport or listen on radio 612AM ABC Brisbane
1. Sef Fa’agase - Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Richie Asiata - Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
3. Zane Nonggorr - Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Josh Canham – Bond University - Brighton Grammar, Melb - Harlequins RC, Melb
5. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
7. Fraser McReight (vc) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (c) - University of Queensland - Sunshine Coast Grammar - Flinders RC
10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond RC, UK
11. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank - Dogotuki District School, Fiji
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland - Manukau Rovers
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – Nudgee College - Brothers
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland - Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
Reserves:
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland - St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace - Easts
17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - Norths - Wellington College, NZ
18. Nick Bloomfield – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School - Easts
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20. John Bryant - Souths - St Laurence’s College - Souths
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School - Souths
22. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Pine Rivers Pumas
23. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
Unavailable through injury: Massimo De Lutiis, Matt Faessler, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Alex Hodgman, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright
