Qld Reds v Fiji Drua Sun 19-3-23

[Sully]

Fiji coming in hot and the Reds not so much.

https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/r...r-rugby-fairytale-drua-come-in-hot-c-10036300

 

[LeCheese]

Assuming JOC (James O'Connor) will be starting, I'm a bit worried about his capacity to last the full 80. He was blowing hard last week, and mentioned how the increased game speed this year had done a number on him post-match.

 

[Wilson]

Assuming JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) will be starting, I'm a bit worried about his capacity to last the full 80. He was blowing hard last week, and mentioned how the increased game speed this year had done a number on him post-match.

I imagine the plan would still be to spell him for the last 20 or so. With either Lynagh or Creighton as the backup we'd be in a much better position than the equivalent game last year where Campbell finished at 10 looking like a fish out of water.

 

[hawko07]

Looking forward to this. Hopefully a good atmosphere at Suncorp. Disappointed that I bought a family pass a few days ago, then today saw the announcement that kids are free!!

 

[SouthernX]

Assuming JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) will be starting, I'm a bit worried about his capacity to last the full 80. He was blowing hard last week, and mentioned how the increased game speed this year had done a number on him post-match.

I am worried about all players going the full 80.

Drua cardio and the style of game they play could be red flags if they can break the advantage line or put some nicely placed kicks behind the reds defensive line (towards the end of the game when reds players might be cramping).

 

[Sully]

Trying out a Discord channel for matches this weekend. If you're interested try this invite.

Discord - Group Chat That’s All Fun & Games

Discord is great for playing games and chilling with friends, or even building a worldwide community. Customize your own space to talk, play, and hang out.

discord.gg

 

[molman]

I'm really look forward to this one. It'll be interesting to see if the Drua can back up after the emotional high of getting one over the Crusaders. I can see this being close.

 

[RugbyReg]

Souths have congratulated Taj Annan for getting selected at 12

 

[LeCheese]

Souths have congratulated Taj Annan for getting selected at 12

Struth, big call. Good luck to him, hope he has a blinder.

 

[SouthernX]

team list dropping today? Sunday kick off - I’m guessing delayed a day?

 

[Wilson]

team list dropping today? Sunday kick off - I’m guessing delayed a day?

Ask and you shall receive:

O’Connor, Annan to start in Reds Suncorp Stadium return

The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV ahead of this Sunday’s Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific Round 4 clash against the Fijian Drua.

reds.rugby

 

[Ignoto]

Wonder why Peni doesnt get a start? Is it to give us a fresh ball runner in the second half?

 

[Wilson]

Wonder why Peni doesnt get a start? Is it to give us a fresh ball runner in the second half?

He's been great off the bench so far and it definitely seems reasonable to aim to have one of him and Nonggorr on at all times. That said I do think he's a step above Zander.

 

[TSR]

Has Jock moved to Wests, or is that a typo?

 

[Wilson]

Has Jock moved to Wests, or is that a typo?

Looks like a typo - they deleted their original tweet and reposted and I wasn't sure why, that will be it. New one says UQ, I'll update the image

 

[TSR]

Souths have congratulated Taj Annan for getting selected at 12

Interesting call.

Good that it minimises players playing out of their best spot.

You have to also say that Thorn remains happy to back youth. Maybe he has limited options but he obviously could’ve gone a different way here.

Good luck to the young man.

 

[TSR]

Looks like a typo - they deleted their original tweet and reposted and I wasn't sure why, that will be it. New one says UQ, I'll update the image

Maybe a flood of frantic calls from the UQ coaching/management group

 

[Misunderstood fan]

Interesting call.

Good that it minimises players playing out of their best spot.

You have to also say that Thorn remains happy to back youth. Maybe he has limited options but he obviously could’ve gone a different way here.

Good luck to the young man.

Wiki says Annan is 6ft 3 and 93kg. This is a good size for a young centre. Give him 1 to 2 years and he’ll be around 100kg. Against Drua is brutal.

 

[The Nomad]

Will be interesting to see who moves where when both Lynagh and Vunivalu hit the pitch. No forced substitutions would be a nice start....

 

[dru]

Will be interesting to see who moves where when both Lynagh and Vunivalu hit the pitch. No forced substitutions would be a nice start....

I doesn't need to be complex. I'd like to see a straight swap (at this stage) of JOC (James O'Connor) and Lynagh. After that Vunivalu comes on for whoever most needs the break between Jock, Daugunu, Petaia.