Strong-running Queensland Reds forward Vineta Teutau knows exactly the physicality and intent that her team will face from Penina Pasifika on Saturday.
Teutau played for Tonga last year with many of the Penina Pasifika girls who will run on at Ballymore Stadium for this important development game.
It is important as the Reds’ last hitout before they dive into the SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s season against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka on March 8.
For Penina Pasifika, it starts a run of matches against all the Super Rugby Women’s clubs to give Tongan and Samoan players valuable prep as they build towards Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
“You know it’s going to be physical and it’s an important start for the Penina girls,” Teutau said.
“It’ll be a bit strange playing against girls I played with last year but I’m looking forward to it.”
Teutau, 23, is developing as a vital member of the Reds pack with her powerful charges with the ball and being able to sustain those damaging runs.
“I’ve never been fitter. That’s the big gain for me,” lock Teutau said.
Her value will extend into the StoreLocal Premier Women’s competition because she has elected to play with front-rower Cristo Taufua at Brothers.
The Reds have been strengthened in the front-row. US Eagles prop Charli Jacoby is back from English club Exeter and will play off the bench.
In the starting side, Wallaroo Bree-Anna Browne will back up her 20 minutes in last weekend’s trial by pushing out to 40 minutes.
Prop Jiowana Sauto will start.
Lock Deni Ross is back from a mild ankle sprain to start beside Tiarah Minns.
QUEENSLAND REDS v PENINA PASIFIKA
Super Rugby Women’s Development Game
Saturday, 3:05pm (AEST)
Ballymore Stadium
REDS
1 Bree-Anna Browne
2 Cristo Taufua
3 Jiowana Sauto
4 Tiarah Minns
5 Deni Ross
6 Jemma Bemrose (cc)
7 Carola Kreis
8 Zoe Hanna
9 Layne Morgan
10 Carys Dallinger
11 Ivania Wong (cc)
12 Ariana Hira
13 Mel Wilks
14 Piper Flynn
15 Lori Cramer
Reserves: 16 Tiarna Molloy, 17 Sky-Yvette Faimalie, 18 Charli Jacoby, 19 Vineta Teutau, 20, Dillyn Blackburn, 21 Sarah Riordan, 22 Maraea Tupai, 23 Sarah Dougherty, 24 Faythe Manera, 25, Michelle Curry, 26 Renae Nona
