Lori Cramer, the Wallaroos fullback, is set to rejoin the Queensland Reds’ starting lineup for their women’s trial match against the Western Force this Saturday at Ballymore Stadium. This marks a significant change for the team as they prepare for their second trial, which begins at 12:30 pm (Qld time).
Joining Cramer is Wallaroos halfback Layne Morgan, who recently moved to the Gold Coast and will don the Reds jersey for the first time after transferring from the NSW Waratahs. The lineup also features Easts’ speedy winger Piper Flynn and Brothers’ prop Mabel Johnston. In the backrow, Wests’ players Dillyn Blackburn and Maraea Tupai will start, having come off the bench in the previous match.
Cramer recently returned from playing with the Exeter Chiefs in England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby, swapping cold weather for the warm 28-degree temperatures of Queensland. Despite playing only 20 minutes in last Saturday’s trial, her impact was evident in the Reds’ 47-15 win over the ACT Brumbies. She played a crucial role in Mel Wilks’ long-range try, successfully converted from near the sideline, and demonstrated her experience by stepping in as first receiver when needed.
Reflecting on her return, Cramer shared, “”I was training in the snow just weeks ago and hadn’t seen the sun for months until that trial,”” she laughed. “”My feet felt like they were burning through my boots. It’s a different climate, but it’s great to be back. I’ve just rejoined the squad, and it was encouraging to see how the team plays instinctively when opportunities arise. There’s a great mix of players and a lot of hard work has gone into improving the Reds’ performance.””
QUEENSLAND REDS v WESTERN FORCE
Super Rugby Women’s Trial
Saturday, 12:30 pm (AEST)
Ballymore Stadium
REDS
- Cristo Taufua
- Tiarna Molloy
- Mabel Johnston
- Tiarah Minns
- Vineta Teutau
- Jemma Bemrose (cc)
- Dillyn Blackburn
- Maraea Tupai
- Layne Morgan
- Carys Dallinger
- Ivania Wong (cc)
- Shalom Sauaso
- Mel Wilks
- Piper Flynn
- Lori Cramer
Reserves: Zophronia Setu, Grace Sullivan, Carola Kreis, Zoe Hanna, Sarah Riordan, Nat Wright, Ariana Hira, Caitlin Urwin, Faythe Manera, Michelle Curry, Sarah Dougherty
Read more: https://reds.rugby/news/lori-cramer-returns-for-reds-womens-trial-against-force-2025213
