SVNS Series great Charlotte Caslick promoted to Reds’ starting side

Three-time Olympian Charlotte Caslick has been promoted to the Queensland Reds’ starting side for the first time ahead of this weekend’s crunch Super Rugby Women’s clash with the Brumbies at Canberra’s Viking Park.

Caslick debuted for the Reds in the team’s heavy loss to the NSW Waratahs in Brisbane last time out, but a backline reshuffle has presented the former Australian sevens captain with a golden opportunity to impress Wallaroos selectors.

In the 100^th match played by the Queensland women’s side, Caslick will wear the No. 15 while Wallaroos fullback Lori Cramer has shifted to fly-half. Cramer is often used as a first receiver by the Reds, but it will be a more formal role on Saturday afternoon in the nation’s capital.

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Ivania Wong returns to the Reds’ starting side for a record 40^th appearance for the women’s team based in Brisbane, while Faythe Manera has been named in the run-on side at outside centre for this match which could have playoff ramifications.

While the Queensland Reds sit in third place with a 1-1 record, the Brumbies are still searching for their first win of the campaign after an opening-round draw with the Western Force and a nail-biting last-gasp loss to the Fijian Drua last weekend in Lautoka.

With two more rounds before the playoffs, this match is a must-win for both sides.

“The match against the Waratahs was frustrating and I didn’t feel the final scoreline reflected the effort we put in for 80 minutes,” Reds co-captain Jemma Bemrose said.

“We didn’t capitalise on opportunities we did create. We know we have to ice those chances against the Brumbies.

“We made some big plays defensively but that consistency has to be there too.”

With Kahli Henwood, Teagan Levi and Isabella Nasser returning to the Aussie sevens program ahead of this month’s Hong Kong Sevens, Caslick is the only start from the HSBC SVNS Series lining up for the Reds in round four.

Caslick will take no further part in the SVNS Series this season, with the Rio Olympics gold medallist instead focused on Super Rugby Women’s in a bid to make Australia’s squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Layne Morgan and Cramer will combine in the halves for the Res, while Shalom Sauso and Manera will link up in the midfield. Wong and Caitlin Urwin join Caslick in a star-studded outside backs trio.

Bree-Anna Browne, Tiarna Molloy and Eva Karpani are the three front rowers, while Tiarah Minns and Deni Roos round out the tight five as the locking duo. Co-captain Bemrose joins Carola Kreis and Zoe Hanna in the loose forwards.

This match at Viking Park is set to kick off at 12:05 pm AEST on Saturday afternoon.

Queensland Reds to take on ACT Brumbies

1 Bree-Anna Browne
2 Tiarna Molloy
3 Eva Karpani
4 Tiarah Minns
5 Deni Ross
6 Jemma Bemrose (cc)
7 Carola Kreis
8 Zoe Hanna
9 Layne Morgan
10 Lori Cramer
11 Ivania Wong (cc)
12 Shalom Sauaso
13 Faythe Manera
14 Caitlin Urwin
15 Charlotte Caslick
Reserves: 16 Zophronia Setu, 17 Cristo Taufua, 18 Charli Jacoby, 19 Veneta Teutau, 20 Maraea Tupai, 21 Nat Wright, 22 Carys Dallinger, 23 Piper Flynn