The QLD Reds continue their Super Rugby Pacific pre-season in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
In the final pre-season hit out before the Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific opener against Moana Pasifika on Friday February 21 9Round 2), Head Coach Les Kiss has unlocked some new combinations within the team to face proud Irish province Ulster in Belfast on Friday at 7:35pm local time (5:35am AEST, Saturday).
Leaders Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Jock Campbell, Hunter Paisami and Filipo Daugunu retain their starting spots. Daugunu moves to the 13 jersey in the centres while Wallabies Matt Faessler and Angus Blyth are also named to start.
The game is available for live stream in Australia HERE. There is a purchase price involved, which is reduced by 50% if watching the game on replay as opposed to live.
Kiss was formerly Director of Rugby at Ulster and is delighted to be heading to Ravenhill with his Reds side for what is the 100-year celebration of Rugby at the famous ground.
“It’s a special part of the world to play Rugby,” Kiss said. “We loved our time living in Ireland, both with the national team and then with Ulster, and I feel privileged to be coaching the Reds at a ground which means so much to me and my family. I have huge respect for the fans and the club, and while we’ll be doing everything in our power to get the victory, it will be nice to sit down and share a drink with some wonderful people at full time.”
A new-look tight five sees Sef Fa’agase and Massimo De Lutiis starting either side of Faessler, with experienced lock Ryan Smith alongside Blyth in the second-row, and Connor Vest wearing the 6 jersey alongside McReight and Wilson.
McDermott has a new halves partner in Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, with Heremaia Murray and Tim Ryan on the wings and Campbell at fullback.
“We’ve got some excellent competition for places in our side, and the guys coming in will be determined to make the most of the opportunity,” Les Kiss said.
“This is especially true in the second-row, where Lukhan and Josh Canham got the opportunity against Bristol, and now Ryan and Angus are ready to aim up against Ulster.
“We’re also excited to see Filipo having a run alongside Hunter in the midfield, after he performed strongly on the wing last week.”
George Blake, Josh Nasser, John Bryant, Louis Werchon and Mason Gordon will all see their first action on the tour as reserves, with three more Wallabies in Zane Nonggorr, Salakaia-Loto and Tom Lynagh rounding out the matchday 23.
“Both Harry (McLaughlin-Philips) and Tom (Lynagh) were excellent at Ashton Gate,” Kiss said. “For two young 10s, they took the game on and gave our backs plenty of time in space. They also kicked very well in general play, to put our forwards on the front foot, and from the tee.
“Harry will relish the chance to play from the start in front of a fanbase that brings exceptional support for their team, and Tom can be injected later in the game to great effect.”
Queensland Reds vs. Ulster
Sef Fa’agase
Matt Faessler
Massimo de Lutiis
Ryan Smith
Angus Blyth
Connor Vest
Fraser McReight (VC)
Harry Wilson
Tate McDermott (C)
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Heremaia Murray
Hunter Paisami
Filipo Daugunu
Tim Ryan
Jock Campbell
Josh Nasser
George Blake
Zane Nonggorr
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
John Bryant
Louis Werchon
Tom Lynagh
Mason Gordon
The Queensland Reds first Super Rugby Pacific match of the 2025 season is against Moana Pasifika in Round 2 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday February 21. Queensland Reds memberships have already surpassed 2024 levels – buy HERE to Run Red with us in 2025.
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