Reds team to play Hurricanes in Wellington

May 12 • General News, Super Rugby • 1147 Views • Comments Off on Reds team to play Hurricanes in Wellington

St.George Queensland Reds lock Rob Simmons will earn a milestone 100th cap for his side this Saturday when they take on the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Hailing from the tiny town of Theodore in central Queensland, Simmons made his Super Rugby debut for his state against the Bulls in 2009 and has grown into one of the side’s most senior figures in recent years.

He was part of the Reds revival which saw them claim a Super Rugby title in 2011 and has also represented his country 60 times, including two Rugby World Cup tournaments.

At 27 years old, he will become the youngest forward to have reached 100 caps for Queensland when he takes the field against the Hurricanes this weekend.

The Reds have made one change to the starting side for this weekend’s match, with a groin injury to Karmichael Hunt opening the door for Ayumu Goromaru to return at fullback.

Injury has also forced a change to the reserves, with hooker Saia Fainga’a replaced by Matt Mafi after undergoing foot surgery that will sideline him for seven weeks.

Reds co-interim head coach Nick Stiles said: “We’ve got another tough match this weekend against a very strong Kiwi team.

“The team recognises the significance of this match, both in testing ourselves against one of the competition leaders and in putting up a performance worthy of Rob Simmons’ 100th cap for Queensland. It’s a fantastic achievement for Rob and he joins an elite group of centurions who have represented this state. It’s a just reward for his dedication and professionalism over a number of years.

“Injury has meant that we’ve had to make a couple of changes to the side, but the guys we’re bringing in are familiar with what we’re trying to do and we’re confident in what they can offer. Being able to bring a guy of Ayumu Goromaru’s experience straight into the starting side is a big benefit for us. This is a good opportunity for him to step up and demonstrate what we know he is capable of.”

The Reds face the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium in Wellington this Saturday at 7:35pm (local). The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.

Reds fans will have their opportunity to honour Simmons’ achievement when the team returns to Suncorp Stadium for Saturday afternoon footy against the Sunwolves on the 21st May. Fans will be invited on to the field following the game to experience an official cap presentation made to Simmons at this time. Tickets to the match are available at www.redsrugby.com.au.

St.George Queensland Reds side to play Hurricanes
7:35pm (local), Westpac Stadium, Wellington
1. James Slipper (C)
2. Andrew Ready
3. Greg Holmes
4. Ben Matwijow
5. Rob Simmons (100th Queensland/Super Rugby cap)
6. Hendrik Tui
7. Liam Gill
8. Curtis Browning
9. Nick Frisby
10. Jake McIntyre
11. Eto Nabuli
12. Anthony Fainga’a
13. Campbell Magnay
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
15. Ayumu Goromaru

16. Matt Mafi
17. Sef Fa’agase
18. Sam Talakai
19. Cadeyrn Neville
20. Michael Gunn
21. James Tuttle
22. Duncan Paia’aua
23. Junior Laloifi

This season sees the return of charitable initiative ‘Be Great, Do Good’, with Reds teammates Cadeyrn Neville and Ben Matwijow wearing unique headgear each week to support different charities by raising funds and awareness for their cause.

The initiative was founded by Reds prop Ben Daley, who will continue to support the charities despite missing four months due to injury.

This week the players will wear headgear in support of Kidney Kids New Zealand. The organisation, which deceased All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu was a patron of, was established in 1990 to provide support for children suffering from kidney disorders.