The Queensland Reds have faced a setback ahead of their match against the Crusaders in Christchurch, with Wallabies playmaker Tom Lynagh being ruled out of the squad. His place on the bench will be taken by Louis Werchon, though the Reds have not provided further details regarding Lynagh’s withdrawal.
The Reds enter this match with a strong sense of confidence, having achieved a stunning victory against the Crusaders, the most successful team in Super Rugby, during their previous encounter on home soil last year. Under the leadership of second-year coach Les Kiss, the team has been playing with a sense of freedom and flair, hoping to carry this momentum into their game.
In contrast, the Crusaders boast several former Reds stars, including James O’Connor, adding another layer of excitement to this clash.
Match details are as follows:
- Date: Sunday, 9 March
- Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, commencing at 15:35.
Crusaders Starting Line-up (1-15):
- Tamaiti Williams
- Codie Taylor
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Antonio Shalfoon
- Cullen Grace
- Ethan Blackadder
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Kyle Preston
- Taha Kemara
- Sevu Reece
- David Havili
- Dallas McLeod
- Chay Fihaki
- Will Jordan
Crusaders Replacements:
- Ioane Moananu
- George Bower
- Sam Matenga
- Tahlor Cahill
- Corey Kellow
- Mitch Drummond
- James O’Connor
- Levi Aumua
Reds Starting Line-up (1-15):
- Alex Hodgman
- Matt Faessler
- Massimo De Lutiis
- Josh Canham
- Ryan Smith
- Liam Wright (co-captain)
- Fraser McReight
- Harry Wilson
- Tate McDermott (co-captain)
- Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
- Tim Ryan
- Dre Pakeho
- Filipo Daugunu
- Lachie Anderson
- Heremaia Murray
Reds Replacements:
- Josh Nasser
- George Blake
- Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
- Angus Blyth
- Joe Brial
- Kalani Thomas
- Louis Werchon
- Frankie Goldsbrough
Officials:
- Referee: Jordan Way
- Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Jackson Henshaw
- TMO: Glenn Newman
With significant implications for the season ahead, this match promises to be an exciting encounter between the two sides.