The Queensland Reds travel to Hamilton for a crucial qualifying final against the Chiefs, with their Super Rugby Pacific season on the line. The Reds enter the match as the last Australian side still in contention after the ACT Brumbies suffered a heavy defeat to the Hurricanes, and they must pull off a major upset to keep their finals campaign alive.
The match is being played at FMG Stadium in difficult conditions, with heavy rain making the surface slippery and adding another layer of challenge for both sides. For the Chiefs, victory would secure a place in the semi-finals against the Crusaders and preserve New Zealand’s perfect home record against Australian opposition in this year’s competition. The return of Damian McKenzie is a significant boost for the home side after he was cleared of concussion and named to start.
The Reds have made several important selection calls for the do-or-die contest. Fraser McReight is set to reach a major milestone, bringing up his 100th game in the maroon jersey, and he leads the side as captain. Filipo Daugunu returns to the starting XV at inside centre, adding experience and attacking threat to the midfield. Queensland will need a disciplined performance in the wet if they are to challenge a Chiefs team that has been strong all season.
There was a late change to the Chiefs lineup, with Liam Coombes-Fabling ruled out and Daniel Sinkinson coming into the side. The hosts still field a powerful and experienced squad, with Luke Jacobson captaining the team from the back row and Wallace Sititi among the key forwards. Damian McKenzie’s presence at fly-half will be central to the Chiefs’ ability to control territory and tempo in the conditions.
Queensland’s starting side includes Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser and Zane Nonggorr in the front row, with Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto forming the second-row pairing. Joe Brial joins McReight and Harry Wilson in the loose forwards, while Tate McDermott and Carter Gordon are tasked with steering the attack from halfback and fly-half. The backline also features Tim Ryan, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson and Jock Campbell, with Filipo Daugunu and Jock Campbell expected to play key roles under pressure.
The Chiefs line up with Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Sione Ahio in the front row, while Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa’i provide power in the engine room. Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Wallace Sititi and Cortez Ratima are among the other notable starters, with McKenzie partnering the backs alongside Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea and Kyle Brown.
James Doleman is the referee, assisted by Marcus Playle and Fraser Hannon, with Glenn Newman on TMO duties. Coverage of the clash is available live and ad-free on Stan Sport, beginning at 4:30 pm ahead of the expected 5:05 pm kickoff.
