ST.GEORGE QUEENSLAND REDS SIDE TO PLAY CRUSADERS IN CHRISTCHURCH
St.George Queensland Reds scrumhalf Nick Frisby will earn a milestone 50th cap for his side this Friday when they take on the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Reds have made two changes to the starting side for the match, with Queensland Under-20s standout Campbell Magnay brought in for injured centre Samu Kerevi (hand) and Chris Feauai-Sautia recovering from an ankle injury to resume his place on the wing.
Feauai-Sautia’s return to the starting side has shifted utility back Junior Laloifi to the bench, with Ayumu Goromaru dropping out of the 23.
Reds co-interim head coach Matt O’Connor said: “This is an important match for us. To play any of the Kiwi teams is always a step up in intensity but the Crusaders in Christchurch is a fantastic challenge for the group and will give us a fair indication of how much progress we’ve made.
“It’s a great occasion for Nick Frisby, but the reward will be in what the team can produce on the night.
“Nick has a big responsibility with the group at the moment. He’s a senior player and a leader. He has stepped up admirably this year and he’s getting better and better each game. He will be a big part of the success of the group moving forward.
“It’s good to be able to welcome Chris (Feauai-Sautia) back into the side. It was unfortunate he missed a couple of games through injury as he has been really good for us throughout the year. He trained well this week and will be really important for us tomorrow.
“As for Campbell (Magnay), he’s already played a handful of games of Super Rugby, so he’s comfortable at this level. He was outstanding throughout the 20s program and played outside centre throughout their championship run. He’s trained with us all season so he certainly deserves an opportunity. We have a lot of faith in him.
“The Crusaders are playing really good footy. They’ve probably recaptured the vibe they had a couple of seasons ago. They’ll ask a lot of questions of us across the game in every aspect.”
The Reds face the Crusaders at AMI Stadium in Christchurch tomorrow at 7:35pm (local). The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.
St.George Queensland Reds side to play Crusaders
7:35pm (local), AMI Stadium, Christchurch
1. James Slipper (C)
2. Andrew Ready
3. Greg Holmes
4. Ben Matwijow
5. Rob Simmons
6. Hendrik Tui
7. Liam Gill
8. Curtis Browning
9. Nick Frisby (50th Queensland cap)
10. Jake McIntyre
11. Eto Nabuli
12. Anthony Fainga’a
13. Campbell Magnay
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
15. Karmichael Hunt
16. Saia Fainga’a
17. Sef Fa’agase
18. Sam Talakai
19. Cadeyrn Neville
20. Michael Gunn
21. James Tuttle
22. Sam Greene
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 MenzShed New Zealand – which brings men together in one community space, encouraging them to learn new skills and connect with others in their community.
Courtesy of REDS Rugby
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