Hunter Paisami returns as Reds brace for high-stakes Aussie derby

Wallaby Hunter Paisami is back for the Queensland Reds this week, named to start at inside centre against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium. Paisami missed the Reds’ hard-fought win over the NSW Waratahs but returns for this high-stakes round 14 derby.

Paisami has recovered from a corked hip and will join in-form Filipo Daugunu in the midfield this weekend, while Dre Pakeho drops to the bench after a series of impressive performances in Queensland’s run-on side.

But it’s not all good news for the Reds, who will be without Wallabies duo Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Tom Lynagh. Salakaia-Loto has been ruled out after sustaining a shoulder knock, while Lynagh continues to progress through HIA protocols.

Former Australia U20 fly-half Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will replace Lynagh in the No. 10 jumper, while Ryan Smith comes into the second row in place of Salakaia-Loto. Coach Les Kiss has named a talented side for a massive Australian derby in the capital.

“The Brumbies are no doubt a team in form coming off their win over the Western Force (33-14),” coach Kiss said in a statement.

“They have an imperious record at home in Canberra as we know.

“We certainly showed our qualities of grit and belief with how strongly we finished the game against the NSW Waratahs in our last game. It was very pleasing coming off the short turnaround from our previous match in Fiji.

“Harry had a very strong second half when he came in for Tom against the Waratahs and has stepped up for us with his opportunities this season.

“Our bench has been very productive. This weekend, Connor Vest will bring his impact as a backrower-lock. He’s been fully involved at training and with matches for his Souths club and the Reds Development XV to be ready for this.”

Sef Fa’agase will join Richie Asiata and Zane Nonggorr in the front-row, while Josh Canham will pack down alongside Smith as the two locks. Joe Brial combines with vice-captain Fraser McReight and John Bryant in a formidable loose forwards trio.

Captain Tate McDermott will look to lead by example yet again, joining McLaughlin-Phillips in the halves. Paisami and Daugunu are the two centres, while Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan starts on the left wing, with Lachie Anderson on the right, and Jock Campbell retained at fullback.

With the Brumbies in second and the Reds in fourth, a win this weekend would be a huge result for either side ahead of the playoffs. This match will get underway at 7:35 pm AEST on Saturday at GIO Stadium, following Wallaroos vs USA in the Pacific Four Series.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

32

20

First try wins

20%

Home team wins

40%

Queensland Reds to take on ACT Brumbies

1. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Richie Asiata – Sunnybank – Anglican Church Grammar School
3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Josh Canham – Bond University – Brighton Grammar, Melb – Harlequins RC, Melb
5. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
7. Fraser McReight (vc) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. John Bryant – Souths – St Laurence’s College – Souths
9. Tate McDermott (c) – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Flinders RC
10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Gunnedah Red Devils
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland – Manukau Rovers
13. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank – Dogotuki District School, Fiji
14. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland – Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
Reserves:
16. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace – Easts
17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ
18. Massimo De Lutiis – Wests – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach RC
20. Connor Vest – Souths – Grafton High School – Grafton Junior RC
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
22. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Pine Rivers Pumas
23. Heremaia Murray – Bond University – Auckland Grammar – Te Rarawa RC, NZ