Super Rugby Pacific news | Queensland Reds lose Hunter Paisami to injury ahead of Crusaders clash
Wallabies playmaker Hunter Paisami will be stuck on the sidelines for upwards of five weeks due to injury, the Queensland Reds have confirmed.
Paisami suffered a medial ligament injury in the team’s narrow 40-34 loss to the Melbourne Rebels in round five.
The layoff means Paisami will likely return just ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific finals.
Watch the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad free, live and on demand
The news comes as the Reds head coach Brad Thorn announced four changes to the side ahead of the sixth round match against the Crusaders in Brisbane.
The most notable inclusion is that of Fiji’s Peni Ravai, who will make his first start in maroon at loosehead prop.
Ravai will be joined by Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr in the front row.
Melbourne Storm star-turned-Queensland Reds jet Suliasi Vunivalu will return to the side to play on the wing.
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Angus Blyth returns from a syndesmosis injury to the bench while Isaac Henry replaces Paisami.
Ryan Smith and Seru Uru start at lock with the back row made up on Liam Wright, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson.
“The Crusaders are one of the world’s best teams and have been for a long time. We look forward to the challenge this Friday night,” said Thorn.
“It’s great to see Fraser bring up his 50th Queensland cap. It’ll be a special occasion for him in front of his friends and family at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’re pleased to see Angus return to the team. He’s worked hard to get fit and will bring a lot to our forward pack.”
The Reds have won two of their five matches so far this season, losing to the Hurricanes, ACT Brumbies, and Melbourne Rebels.
Harry Wilson makes his 50th Super Rugby Pacific start on Saturday while Fraser McReight will make his 50th start with the Queensland Reds.
The match between the Reds and Crusaders kicks off at 7:35pm with coverage live, ad-free, and exclusively on Stan Sport.
Queensland Reds (15-1): Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Jordan Petaia, James O’Connor, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai
Reserves: Mac Grealy, Taj Annan, Kalani Thomas, Jake Upfield, Angus Blyth, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Dane Zander, Richie Asiata
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