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Wallaby Fraser McReight returns with Reds ready for Crusaders clash

01 May 2024

Fraser McReight of the Reds scores a try during the round three Super Rugby Pacific match between Queensland Reds and Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium, on March 09, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

After two weeks on the sidelines, Wallaby Fraser McReight will return for the Reds this weekend when the Queenslanders take on the Crusaders in “one of the great places” for rugby union.

McReight, 25, was sent off during the Reds’ disappointing defeat to Moana Pasifika last month. The flanker missed the 31-nil win over the Highlanders and the heartbreaking loss to the Blues at home.

But after serving the ban, McReight returns to the Reds’ starting side as one of four changes to play defending Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders.

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Fiji international Peni Ravai returns to the starting front-row, Lawson Creighton gets the nod at fly-half and Mac Grealy is back on the left wing after a load management rest week.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

Draws

Wins

Average Points scored

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

60%

Interestingly, Grealy’s return along with the retention of last week’s hat-trick hero Tim Ryan in the run-on side – although he’s moved to the other wing – has forced Wallaby Suliasi Vunivalu onto the reserves bench.

“The Crusaders have great pride in their jersey and who they represent,” coach Les Kiss said in a statement.

“Parts of our game have grown in every match. We have confidence in the things that work for us and we’ll stay rock solid to those.

“We are going to one of the great places in the world to play rugby and we will take on the challenge.

“Lawson is a very well-organised player with a strong kicking game. We are very comfortable with him leading from No. 10 with Tom managing a slight hamstring injury.

“We have Harry (McLaughlin-Phillps) to get involved from the bench.

“Tim Ryan put forward a compelling case to start again after his performance against the Blues.

“Mac (Grealy) returns and Suli’s involvement will be from the bench this week.

“We welcome back Fraser which is fantastic. In his two games away, we saw John Bryant really step up as a starter and there was impressive recognition too for Joe Brial. Joe will return to club rugby on Saturday with those debut games behind him.”

Fiji prop Peni Ravai joins Matt Faessler and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen in the front-row, while Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth round out the tight five as the two middle-rowers. Captain Liam Wright joins Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson in a familiar Reds backrow.

With Tom Lynagh unavailable due to a hamstring complaint, Lawson Creighton will wear the No. 10 jersey with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips set to come of the bench.

Creighton joins Kalani Thomas in the halves, with Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook just outside the pair in the midfield. Completing the backs are Grealy, Ryan and Jock Campbell in the outside backs.

This will be Hunter Paisami’s 50^th match for the Reds after debuting for the club in 2020.

“Hunter has been exceptional for us. It’s the way he has grown his game,” Kiss added.

“He obviously carries hard but he’s also showing his skill at first and second receiver. His kicking has been impeccable and he’s also leading form the front with his experience.”

Queensland Reds team to take on Crusaders

Peni Ravai
Matt Faessler
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
Ryan Smith
Angus Blyth
Liam Wright (c)
Fraser McReight
Harry Wilson
Kalani Thomas
Lawson Creighton
Mac Grealy
Hunter Paisami
Josh Flook
Tim Ryan
Jock Campbell

Replacements

Josh Nasser
Sef Fa’agase
Zane Nonggorr
Connor Vest
John Bryant
Louis Werchon
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Suliasi Vunivalu

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 10 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 10 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 10 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 10 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 10 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 10 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 10 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍