Reds confirm team for Crusaders clash in Christchurch

May 25, 2022
1449
Ultimate Rugby

Queensland co-captain Liam Wright will make his return from injury via the bench against the Crusaders in Christchurch this Friday night.

The backrower, who injured his ankle in Round 7, is one of five changes to the Queensland side after last round’s 34-22 win over Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium.

Lawson Creighton comes into the run-on team at flyhalf following James O’Connor’s hamstring injury, with Jordan Petaia shifting infield to outside-centre to accommodate Josh Flook’s injury.

Filipo Daugunu starts on the wing, while Seru Uru will feature at lock, seeing Angus Scott-Young start at blindside flanker.

Dane Zander also returns to the starting frontrow as Queensland look to break an 11-year, eight-game drought against the Crusaders.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “We’re looking forward to getting back over to New Zealand this week.

“The Crusaders are a tough opponent and they’ll be looking forward to playing in front of their home crowd. Once again they’re at the top-end of the competition and this is an important game for both teams,” said Thorn.

Jock Campbell starts at fullback alongside Daugunu and Suliasi Vunivalu on the wings, with Petaia running-on in the number-13 jersey for the first time this season.

Hamish Stewart will start at inside-centre, as co-captain Tate McDermott and Lawson Creighton again combine in the halves.

Scott-Young returns to the starting side in the backrow alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson, while Uru will partner Ryan Smith in a dynamic secondrow.

In the frontrow, Zander starts alongside Matt Faessler and Feao Fotuaika.

Wright makes his return as a finisher to co-captain the side, with Angus Blyth, Connor Vest and Mac Grealy set to add punch from the bench.

The fixture will be broadcast live and exclusively via Stan Sport on Friday night at 5:35pm.

Crusaders v Queensland Reds, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, kick-off 5:35pm AEST: