The Queensland Reds have confirmed their lineup for the highly anticipated match against the British & Irish Lions on Wednesday night, including eleven players with international experience, among them nine Wallabies and two All Blacks.
Jock Campbell will lead the team from the fullback position and will wear the captain’s armband. The front row will be reinforced with the incorporation of Aidan Ross, an All Black with one call-up, who will play alongside Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, also a former All Black, and Matt Faessler, Wallabies hooker.
Both Toomaga-Allen and Ross already faced the Lions during the 2017 tour in New Zealand.
Lukhan Salakai-Loto and Josh Canham will form the second row pairing, while the third row will be composed of Seru Uru, John Bryant and Joe Brial.
The Reds’ backs line promises spectacle with Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook in the center, and Lachie Anderson, a standout wing, maintaining his position on the right wing, alongside Tim Ryan on the left wing.
Given the absence of Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Philips will take on the opening role, with Kalani Thomas as scrum-half.
The excitement is high, that’s for sure. If you look at history, it’s a unique and special group of Queensland players and coaches who have the opportunity to face a Lions team.
The Reds coach, Les Kiss, expressed his enthusiasm for the match.
Kiss emphasized the importance of certain aspects of the game for his team.They are an incredibly good and talented team. They have adopted some of the DNA of the Irish team and I would like to welcome head coach Andy Farrell, assistant coach Simon Easterby and their other coaches.
Les Kiss, Reds coach
Furthermore, Kiss highlighted the confidence in the Reds’ playing style.In this match, we have to be very good at the breakdown and in the aerial game. They have also shown their offensive side.
Les Kiss, Reds coach
Finally, Kiss expressed optimism.We have to face those challenges, but we will also show our style of rugby. We will continue to trust ourselves.
Les Kiss, Reds coach
QUEENSLAND REDS Lineup: Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Harry McLaughlin-Philips, Kalani Thomas, Joe Briel, John Bryant, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakai-Loto, Josh Canham, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Sef Fa’agase, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Louis Werchon, Isaac Henry.Why can’t we give our best, give it our all, and see what happens?
Les Kiss, Reds coach
