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The Reds and Brumbies stars fighting for Wallabies jerseys in top-of-the-table Super Rugby AU clash

(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Liam Wright knows Wallabies jerseys are on the line as he pilots the Queensland Reds towards the Super Rugby AU final.

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The Reds play the Brumbies in Brisbane on Saturday night, with the latter assured a grand-final berth and the former to host either the NSW Waratahs or Melbourne Rebels in next weekend’s preliminary final.

With tests likely against New Zealand next month, new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie will be watching closely as he finalises his first national squad.

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Brumbies coach Dan McKellar speaks to media

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Brumbies coach Dan McKellar speaks to media

Wright is among a host of young Reds to confirm their potential this year, but knows how they perform in the next two or three weeks will be key.

“I think there will be a fair few jerseys up for grabs in these games coming up,” said the flanker, who boasts one test cap.

“There will be selectors watching and people trying to put their best foot forward.”

Wright, who has benefited from John Eales’ mentorship in an extraordinary introduction to captaincy, and back row partners Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight have all flourished under Brad Thorn this year.

Four-test hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa is in career-best form as he pushes for a recall and James O’Connor has made a case at No.10, while halfback Tate McDermott has been electric alongside him.

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Jordan Petaia is fit again while fellow centre Hunter Paisami made his mark when the 20-year-old flyer was injured.

“I reckon all of them (could make a case for selection), they’ve all stepped up,” Wright said of his side.

“Look at a guy like (prop) Dane Zander, who wasn’t anywhere to be found last season.

“Was playing NRC, has come in and done a job, played 80 minutes against the Brums last time.

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“He’s an example, and one of many, that if you put them into an environment they’ll step up.”

They’ll all face their direct opponents for a test berth in the next fortnight, with Wallabies halfback Nic White’s return to the Brumbies’ starting side another subplot to enjoy at Suncorp Stadium this weekend.

Incumbent Wallabies Folau Fainga’a and Tevita Kuridrani will also start, complementing an all-star forward pack as coach Dan McKellar seeks continuity before the decider.

The Reds have lost both fixtures against the Brumbies this season by a combined five points despite leading for long periods in both.

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R
RedWarrior 44 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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