Tag: rugby union

Wallabies vs Springboks: Australia Face World Champions in Rugby Championship Opener at Suncorp

The Wallabies are gearing up for the Rugby Championship opener against the reigning World Cup champions South Africa on Saturday, August 10. With the match approaching sell-out status, anticipation is building for this crucial encounter. Wallabies vs Springboks kick off 2:30 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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Wallabies vs Springboks

Australia enters the contest with a strong record at Suncorp Stadium, where South Africa has historically struggled. The Springboks have lost 11 out of 12 games at the Brisbane ground since 1996, giving the Wallabies a psychological edge and a sixteenth man advantage heading into the match.

“The players enjoyed the vocal support we received during the July Tests, and they will be looking to earn continued public support over the coming weeks,” Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt encouraged.

Schmidt has named a 36-man squad for the upcoming Tests, featuring a mix of experienced players and new talent.

Two-time John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete headlines the returnees, alongside World Cup teammates Angus Bell and Max Jorgensen.

In addition, the squad introduces six uncapped players, including Corey Toole, fresh from his Olympic rugby sevens campaign in Paris. Other newcomers like Hamish Stewart, Max Jorgensen, and Luke Reimer add depth and potential to the team.

Uncapped Carlo Tizzano and Seru Uru join Angus Bell and Luke Reimer as reinforcements to the forward pack.

The Wallabies enter the Rugby Championship with momentum, having secured three victories in the July International Tests. This recent success provides a confidence boost as they prepare to face the formidable Springboks.

Following the Brisbane Test, the Wallabies will travel to Perth for a second clash against the Springboks at Optus Stadium on August 17. This back-to-back series against the world champions presents a significant challenge and opportunity for the Australian side.

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Wallabies faithful can catch the action on Channel Nine or stream it for free on 9Now. For comprehensive Rugby Championship coverage, Stan Sport offers live streaming and on-demand access to every match.

Published 06-August-2024

Reds vs Rebels: Queensland Aim to Continue Winning Ways Against Melbourne

Fifth-placed Queensland Reds will be looking to maintain their winning ways when they host the sixth-placed Melbourne Rebels on Friday, May 10. Reds vs Rebels kickoff 7:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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Round 11 Reds

The Queensland Reds (5-5) are riding high after an impressive 33-28 away victory over the Crusaders last week. That famous win in Christchurch was their first since 1999 and a major confidence booster as they push for a finals spot.

Les Kiss’ side have been propelled by the stellar form of flanker Fraser McReight, who tops the turnovers chart despite a two-game suspension earlier in the season. The returning McReight was instrumental against the Crusaders with a tireless breakdown performance.

Reds vs Rebels

The Rebels (5-5), meanwhile, were beaten 53-26 at home by these same Reds back in March. They showed fight with a second-half comeback but were ultimately undone by their poor start.

Much could depend on the Reds ability to replicate their fast starts. Against their last outing against the Rebels, their forward pack laid the platform with a dominant first-half display, offloading frequently to create repeated chances.

Locks Seru Uru and Peni Ravai were destructive carriers that night. If they can provide front-foot ball again, the Reds’ backline of Lawson Creighton, Jock Campbell and the in-form Tim Ryan have the talent to capitalise.

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The Reds face their next crucial test in the 5th vs 6th showdown, taking on a desperate Rebels team in a fight for finals survival. Expect fireworks at Suncorp in this high-stakes clash.

Published 07-May-2024

Reds vs Blues: Queensland Ring in Changes for Anzac Clash

The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for the Anzac Weekend Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Blues on Saturday, April 26. Josh Flook’s timely return at outside centre is the headliner, with the experienced campaigner replacing the injured Jordan Petaia. Reds vs Blues kickoff 5:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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Personnel shuffle 

In addition to Flook’s inclusion, Angus Blyth comes into the second row for Cormac Daly. Daly is sidelined with minor soreness following the 31-0 win over the Highlanders.

Head coach Les Kiss has also handed 20-year-old speedster Tim Ryan his first run-on opportunity on the wing, with Mac Grealy making way.

Connor Vest and Floyd Aubrey are set for potential debuts, providing cover in the forwards and backs.

Anzac Weekend commemorations

The team will don their special khaki Anzac jerseys for the occasion, paying tribute to the 60 Queensland Reds who served in five wars, with 11 making the ultimate sacrifice.

An Anzac service featuring military personnel will be held pre-match, with the Ode read by Wallaroos prop Bree-Anna Browne.

“The boys love the jersey…there is depth of understanding of something bigger than the game,” Kiss said.

Reds vs Blues battle for momentum

Kiss knows his side faces a formidable challenge against the in-form Blues, who thumped the Brumbies last round. “We know the task ahead of us on Saturday,” he said.

While satisfied with recent efforts against Kiwi opposition, Kiss wants an 80-minute display at Suncorp Stadium, where “the boys love it.”

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How the Reds will fare against the high-flying Blues remains to be seen, but the substitutions have injected freshness into the starting side for a pivotal Anzac encounter.

Published 26-April-2024

Reds vs Brumbies: A Blockbuster Backrow Battle Awaits

A blockbuster backrow battle awaits as the Queensland Reds prepare to host the ACT Brumbies this Saturday, March 30. The Reds vs Brumbies Super Rugby double-header kickoff 4:05 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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McReight focused on improvement after Reds’ collapse

Reds vs Force 2024
Photo Credit: Facebook/Queensland Reds

Reds flanker Fraser McReight is determined to put last week’s error-riddled 40-31 upset loss to the Western Force behind him as the Reds aim to rebound from disappointing defeats for both their men’s and women’s teams.

McReight acknowledged that Queensland were far from their best in Perth. He identified their set-piece play and preparation for away games as key areas for improvement.

“It’s on the road where it’s going to be very challenging,” he says.

“We’ve got some tough opponents coming up on the road, going to NZ, going to Fiji. It’s a great test, and we’ve just got to learn how the group goes together on away trips, how we can better prepare ourselves.”

He is also eagerly anticipating the matchup against the Brumbies’ in-form loose forward unit.

“They’re very athletic, aren’t they? Brumbies have a great backrow, they always have. I think it’s going to be a great match-up on the weekend,” McReight says.

Reds vs Brumbies : Queensland seek redemption after previous blowout defeat

Reds vs Brumbies 2023
Photo Credit: QLD Reds Rugby

With the memory of last year’s 24-52 home loss to the Brumbies still fresh, the Reds are determined to exact revenge.

“It’s always been such a close game, fortunately for them they were able to knock us over last year at Suncorp which is probably still hurting a few of us, so really really looking forward to this weekend.”

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The double-header kicks off with the Super Rugby Women’s clash at 4:05 pm, followed by the Super Rugby Pacific match at 6:35 pm.

Published 23-March-2024

Tom Lynagh to Start at Flyhalf As Reds Name Team For Waratahs Clash

Amid fierce competition, Tom Lynagh earns a start at the No.10 position as the Queensland Reds announce their starting lineup for their highly anticipated Round 1 match against the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

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Nine Wallabies named

QLD Reds vs NSW Waratah
Here’s how the team will lineup against the Waratahs. Photo Credit: Instagram/Queensland Reds

Head coach Les Kiss has named nine players with Wallabies experience in the starting lineup, including co-captains Tate McDermott and Liam Wright. 

Twenty-year-old Tom Lynagh has been given the nod to start at flyhalf ahead of Saturday’s clash. Lynagh gained valuable Super Rugby experience last season and will look to use that in steering the Reds around the park.

“I’ve got good options at No.10 and this week it is Tom Lynagh’s opportunity.”

Three potential debutants named on bench

Three players are in line to make their Super Rugby Pacific debuts if called upon from the bench – flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, backrower John Bryant and Irish lock Cormac Daly.

McLaughlin-Phillips and Bryant are Queensland juniors who earned their first Reds caps against Japan last year. Daly joined the Reds from Sydney club Randwick and previously represented Ireland Under-20s.

Queensland v NSW, a classic rivalry

Saturday’s match reignites one of rugby’s great rivalries between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs. Both sides will be eager to start their Super Rugby Pacific campaigns with a win.

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According to Coach Kiss, Reds versus Waratahs matches bring out the best in the rivalry between the states. The Reds have won the past three games against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium and will look to continue that streak.

Published 22-February-2024