Petaia backs for Reds after father's death as Penney shows faith
Jordan Petaia has been named to start for the Queensland Reds just over a week after the death of his father, while the Waratahs have named a largely unchanged side but named Rob Simmons in the hope the NSW captain can overcome a rib injury.
The Reds young gun was a late scratching before his side's 45-12 loss to the Waratahs following the sudden death of his father, Tielu, as a result of a heart attack.
Jordan Petaia and his parents after Australia's 45-10 win over Uruguay at last year's Rugby World Cup.Credit:Rugby AU Media
Petaia wants to play because that is what his father would have wanted as the Reds look to rebound against an in-form Rebels side who knocked off the Brumbies last Friday.
"It’s a good boost for everyone having Jordy back," said Reds coach Brad Thorn. "We’re a family here at the Reds and he’s a part that. We’re a tight group and we’re all supporting him and his family."
Reds halfback Tate McDermott and back-rower Fraser McReight have been promoted to the starting XV, while Pone Fa'amausili will start at tight-head prop for the Rebels in an otherwise unchanged team.
Meanwhile, NSW coach Rob Penney has kept faith in the side that blitzed the Reds at the SCG last week ahead of a banana skin game against the Western Force.
Rob Simmons was a happy man after the Waratahs knocked off the Reds at the SCG last Saturday. Credit:Getty Images
Simmons has been named to start but don't be surprised if he doesn't take part. The side's skipper was ruled out on the eve of last week's match due to a rib injury he picked up in a loss to the Rebels in round four.
The only other change to the starting XV is that of Tetera Faulkner, who comes in as the side's tight-head prop ahead of Harry Johnson-Holmes.
The Waratahs overcame a slow start in round two to defeat the Force 23-14.
The Brumbies (18 points) have a bye and sit atop the Super Rugby AU ladder, ahead of the Rebels (14pts), Waratahs (11pts), Reds (11pts) and Force (2pts).
Waratahs vs Western Force @ Cbus Super Stadium - Friday 7.05pm
Waratahs (1-15): Tom Robertson, Tom Horton, Tetera Faulkner, Tom Staniforth, Rob Simmons, Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper, Jack Dempsey, Jake Gordon, Will Harrison, Alex Newsome, Karmichael Hunt, Lalakai Foketi, James Ramm, Jack Maddocks.
Bench: Robbie Abel, Angus Bell, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Ned Hanigan, Hugh Sinclair, Mitch Short, Ben Donaldson, Joey Walton.
Force (1-15): Pek Cowan, Feleti Kaitu'u, Kieran Longbottom, Jeremy Thrush, Fergus Lee Warner, Henry Stowers, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Jono Lance, Brad Lacey, Richard Kahui, Kyle Godwin, Byron Ralston, Jake Strachan.
Bench: Andrew Ready, Chris Heiberg, Tom Sheminant, Johan Bardoul, Ollie Atkins, Nick Frisby, Nick Jooste, Jack McGregor.
Queensland Reds vs Melbourne Rebels @ Suncorp Stadium - Saturday 7.15pm
Reds (1-15): Jack Straker, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Angus Blyth, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell.
Bench: Alex Mafi, Jethro Felemi, Zane Nonggorr, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Angus Scott-Young, Scott Malolua, Bryce Hegarty, Josh Flook.
Rebels (1-15): Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese, Pone Fa'amausili, Matt Philip, Trevor Hosea, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Isi Naisarani, Frank Lomani, Andrew Deegan, Marika Koroibete, Matt Toomua, Campbell Magnay, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge.
Bench: Efitusi Ma'afu, Cabous Eloff, Charles Abel, Esei Ha'angana, Michael Wells, Richard Hardwick, James Tuttle, Billy Meakes.
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