SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) Trials: QLD Reds v Western Force, Ballymore, 3/2/24 @ 3:00pm AEST

[Wilson]

Queensland Reds v Western Force trial match game day information

Ballymore Stadium is set to host the Queensland Reds’ first trial match of 2024 against the Western Force as the team continues preparation for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

reds.rugby

First Trial of the season coming up next weekend. I think the Reds forward pack is probably already pretty set coming into the season but there are lots of questions about how the backline will shape up under Les Kiss.

Likewise with the Force there have been a lot of changes in their backs with new signings and injury returns, it'll be interesting to see who gets first crack at 10 and if they run any of their run any of their playmakers out in new positions.

 

[Yoda]

Queensland Reds v Western Force trial match game day information

Ballymore Stadium is set to host the Queensland Reds’ first trial match of 2024 against the Western Force as the team continues preparation for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

reds.rugby

First Trial of the season coming up next weekend. I think the Reds forward pack is probably already pretty set coming into the season but there are lots of questions about how the backline will shape up under Les Kiss.

Likewise with the Force there have been a lot of changes in their backs with new signings and injury returns, it'll be interesting to see who gets first crack at 10 and if they run any of their run any of their playmakers out in new positions.

Do you know if the trials are being televised?

 

[Wilson]

Do you know if the trials are being televised?

No word yet, but it was a bit patchy last year so it'll probably depend on the game. The Reds have always been good for a stream on their home trials though, so it's pretty likely this game will be on their youtube if not Stan as well.

 

[TSR]

I hope so. Really looking forward to having a Reds gane ti talk about. Not expecting it to be pretty first game up but just seeing the teams go round will be good.

 

[Adam84]

Lynagh might be out with minor injury.

 

[Wilson]

Lynagh might be out with minor injury.

Sounds like a minor back issue that he has had for a while:

Lynagh niggle adds intrigue to Reds' No.10 question

Tom Lynagh is battling a back niggle but the No.10 says he's learnt to be more competitive as he fights for a spot in Les Kiss's Queensland Reds starting side.

www.rugby.com.au

Adding another twist to that is Lynagh's revelation to AAP that he's carrying a minor back niggle that could keep him sidelined for pre-season trials against the Western Force and NSW Waratahs over the next fortnight.
...
"There's plenty of choice at 10, it's all up for grabs and nobody's really sure what will happen," he told AAP, the twang developed during his time at Surrey's rugby institution Epsom College all-but gone.

Makes sense to hold him from the trials if he's just about right, though ideally he'd be good for some minutes in the second one. Probably puts Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in the box seat to start the first trial, though I expect Creighton and Lynagh might still be ahead of him for the season proper.

 

[RugbyReg]

Anyone heard if members get free entry or if we have to buy tickets too?

 

[Adam84]

Yeah interesting point, no haven't seen anything about members tickets to this.

 

[Wilson]

Anyone heard if members get free entry or if we have to buy tickets too?

No - I got in touch with the membership department and there are no free or discounted tickets for members.

 

[RugbyReg]

APPARENTLY it’s on Stan…

 

[Wilson]

Bit of a preview from the Reds with some players to watch:

Queensland Reds v Western Force trial game preview

A Ballymore lift-off to 2024. The Queensland Reds will launch their 2024 campaign against the Western Force in the Saturday afternoon sun in the only Super Rugby-level clash at the ground this season.

reds.rugby

Given Petaia and Nonggorr are both listed I think we can assume everyone fit will be considered for the trial, no wallabies held back this time.

 

[TSR]

I assume the team for the first trial gets named today?

I know it’s only a trial but with a couple of the additions the the squad & the change of coach I’m pretty keen to see the first side (plus it just means rugby is almost starting again and that in itself is enough to get me excited)

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Seeing these get me excited for the season.

 

[Wilson]

Reds team named:

Queensland Reds name team for Western Force trial

A full complement of six World Cup Wallabies has been selected for the Queensland Reds’ opening trial against the Western Force at Ballymore on Saturday afternoon.

reds.rugby

 

[LeCheese]

Loving that the trial teams have all been (basically) full strength aside from injuries.

On that, JOC (James O'Connor) injured or just not getting a run?
Edit: Nevermind, injured as stated in the full article

 

[TSR]

Is George Blake the reserve hooker? Does he play any hooker at club?

 

[TSR]

Also interesting that Ryan Smith not included but also not listed in the players not considered due to injury. But I wonder if that is more a sign that they want to use the trials to give some of the next tier of locks some experience?

 

[TSR]

I do like the team though. Very keen to see how the backline operates and to see some of the reserves who I am not really familiar with get a crack.

 

[Wilson]

Is George Blake the reserve hooker? Does he play any hooker at club?

I believe he started at hooker before shifting to prop. I think Moli Sooaemalagi is also a hooker.

 

[TSR]

Seems a strange choice though with Nasser, Asiata & Craig all in the squad. Especially when it would appear that there was an opportunity to give him time at prop. I wouldn’t have thought there would be too much concern about giving their 5th best hooker a run so I feel like there must be either some thought that he can challenge for a game day spot at hooker or else at least 2 of the others have injury concerns.