Former All Blacks prop handed first start with Reds in Super Rugby Pacific

Former All Blacks and Hurricanes prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen will start for the Reds for the first time in Super Rugby Pacific when the Queenslanders host the Brumbies on Saturday evening.

Toomaga-Allen, who was more recently capped for Samoa, has been promoted to the First XV along with wing Jordan Petaia as the only two changes to the run-on side.

The 33-year-old, who has played more than 200 first-class games in New Zealand, Europe and Australia, has been called on by coach Les Kiss three times to date this season.

“Our scrum has been a great platform for us. Jeffery’s experience will be valuable in this area. Zane (Nonggorr) has done a fantastic job starting and the finisher role is an important one,” coach Les Kiss said in a statement.

Wallaby Jordan Petaia also returns to the starting side as a replacement for Suliasi Vunivalu who drops to the bench.

The third and final day to the Reds’ matchday 23 is the inclusion of playmaker Lawson Creighton who has been selected ahead of 19-year-old Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.

“Suli has played a lot of minutes this season. This is another rotation. We want to maintain our No.13 and No.15 in position and we know Jordie has regularly shown his quality on the wing,” Kiss continued.

“Lawson has been very impressive in training and in the games he has played for our Development XV and Brothers.

“We are very happy with the progress of Harry McLaughlin-Phillips coming into Super Rugby as a 19-year-old. He will no doubt feature again.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

19

24

First try wins

20%

Home team wins

60%

The Reds were the form Australian side in Super Rugby Pacific across the opening four rounds, with the Queenslanders placed second-overall with just the one defeat.

But a shock round five loss away to the Western Force in Perth has seen the Queenslanders drop down the ladder, with the Brumbies now the top-ranked Australian side in third.

“We’re excited to play against the best Australian team over the past few seasons. They’ve earned that. We’re keen to test ourselves in this one,” Kiss added.

“It’s a big day for the Reds women’s team as well. We’ll be supporting them to open the double-header against the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium.”

The match at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium is scheduled to get underway at 6:35pm AEST on Saturday evening.

Reds team to take on Brumbies

1. Peni Ravai
2. Matt Faessler
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
4. Seru Uru
5. Ryan Smith
6. Liam Wright (cc)
7. Fraser McReight
8. Harry Wilson
9. Tate McDermott
10. Tom Lynagh
11. Mac Grealy
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Josh Flook
14. Jordan Petaia
15. Jock Campbell

Reserves

16. Josh Nasser
17. George Blake
18. Zane Nonggorr
19. Cormac Daly
20. John Bryant
21. Kalani Thomas
22. Lawson Creighton
23. Suliasi Vunivalu