Reds

Dane Zander, Alex Mafi, Feao Fotuaika, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor (c), Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Richie Asiata*, Harry Hoopert, Taniela Tupou, Ryan Smith*, Tuania Tali Taualima, Moses Sorovi, Bryce Hegarty, Ilaisa Droasese*

*denotes potential Super Rugby debut

Waratahs

Angus Bell, Tom Horton, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Sam Caird, Jack Whetton, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Jack Dempsey, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harrison, James Ramm, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Alex Newsome, Jack Maddocks
Reserves: Dave Porecki, Tetera Faulkner, Sio Tatola, Jeremy Williams, Hugh Sinclair, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Mark Nawaqanitawase

Brad Thorn didn't wait long to make his first selection shock of the year, after naming Reds superstar Taniela Tupou on the bench for their season opener against arch rivals, the Waratahs. The monster prop will start from the bench on Friday night with fellow behemoth Feao Fotuaika to wear the number 3 jersey.

Stood down winger Suliasi Vunivalu joins Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (suspension), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (ankle) and Liam Wright (ankle) as the big names missing from the Reds first team of the season.

The Reds backline is stacked though with five Wallabies in the backfield, including new stand-in skipper James O'Connor at flyhalf and the dangerous Jordan Petaia on the right wing.

“How good is to have rugby back,” said Thorn.

“It’s the first time in four years we’ve had a home game to kick-off the season, so we’re looking forward to playing some entertaining footy in front our Queensland fans.

“Three guys could make their debuts which is a great thing to recognise. They’ve worked hard in the pre-season and deserve their selection.

“Alex Mafi will also play his 50th game for Queensland which is an awesome achievement. As a group we congratulate him on reaching this milestone.

“The Waratahs will provide a tough contest. There’s plenty of tradition and rivalry between the two teams as well, so we’re looking forward to a good hit-out on Friday night,” Thorn added.

Meanwhile, the Waratahs have named former Reds flyer Izaia Perese at outside centre for his Super Rugby return at Suncorp Stadium. Perese has returned to Rugby following a stint in France and in Rugby League, and will team up with the ever-impressive Joey Walton in the centres.

Rob Penney has a fresh lock pairing in Sam Caird and Jack Whetton, with both off-season recruits starting in a new-look Tahs team while Jack Maddocks will play his 50th Super Rugby match on Friday night after being named at fullback.

Caird/Whetton could’ve been the lock pairing for a NZ Super Rugby dev side

@Duluth i think it could be a good pairing - Whetton bringing the power and Caird bringing the height.

@KiwiMurph

It probably will be

Whetton I expect to have a big impact this year. SR AU games are generally an arm wrestle and that should suit his style

Anyone watching the build up to this? NZ could learn a thing or two, great professional setup and analysis from the new Channel 9 crew. Just what Aus rugby need.

Great try!

Try in the third minute to the Tahs. Playing with too much pace for the Reds already.

Forward pass?

@duluth said in Reds v Waratahs:

Forward pass?

Massively forward.

@duluth Yep, looked forward.

Good pace to this game so far. That was miles forward.

That's a TMO that should be sacked. How the fuck is that not clear and obvious?

I can understand the "not clear and obvious". It went backward from his right hand, but seemed to leave his left hand forward. Difficult one.

@stargazer WTF are you talking about? It was clearly thrown forward.

This nonsense about hands is the dumbest shit in rugby. It's entirely possible to have one hand look like it's flinging the ball backwards when the other hand actually propels it forward.

Jeez that Harry Wilson is some player, so bloody young aswell.

It wasn't clear and obvious looking at JOC's hands. Blame the rules not the TMO.

Reds' scrum is pretty beastly.

Shit this might actually be an interesting game. Defence is optional.

Has Aus rugby improved or is it just shit defence?