The 20-year-old Ryan is currently the talk of the competition scoring six tries in their last three matches for the Reds. He scored a hat-trick of tries against the Super Rugby points table leaders Blues.
Queensland Reds players arriving at Nadi International Airport on May 15, 2024. Photo: Mereleki Nai
Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss is banking on his bench to do the damage against the Fijian Drua in Saturday’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.
Kiss brought back Wallabies trio of halfback Tate McDermott, tighthead prop Zane Nonggorr and winger Suliasi Vunivalu to his starting line-up.
However, the wily coach has named former All Black prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, livewire backrow Seru Uru, halfback Kalani Thomas, veteran James O’Connor and speedster Tim Ryan on the bench.
The 20-year-old Ryan is currently the talk of the competition scoring six tries in their last three matches for the Reds. He scored a hat-trick of tries against the Super Rugby points table leaders Blues.
“I’m a big believer in giving young players a go if they are good,” Kiss said of his selection.
“Tim Ryan has been proving that but it’s also about managing their exposure at the right way at this level. He’ll have a chance to attack this game from the bench.”
Kiss said they are aware of the danger posed by the Drua whose four wins have come from their home matches in front of their hostile fans.
Meanwhile, in a bold move Drua head coach Mick Byrne has named rookie Waqa Nalaga at second-five eighth where he takes on strong running Hunter Paisami.
In the forwards, Byrne has recalled Etonia Waqa at blindside flanker and Elia Canakaivata at No.8 to provide the much added thrust.
On the bench, saw the return of powerhouse backrow Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta.
The match kicks-off at 2.05pm
LINE-UPS
DRUA: 1. Jone Koroiduadua, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Epeli Momo, 12. Waqa Nalaga, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Ilaisa Droasese.
Reserves: 16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Samu Tawake, 19. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20. Vilive Miramira, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Kemu Valetini, 23. Taniela Rakuro
REDS: 1. Peni Ravai, 2. Josh Nasser, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Ryan Smith, 5. Cormac Daly, 6. Liam Wright (co-c), 7. Fraser McReight, 8. John Bryant, 9. Tate McDermott (co-c), 10. Lawson Creighton, 11. Floyd Aubrey, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Taj Annan, 14. Suliasi Vunivalu, 15. Jock Campbell.
Reserves: 16. George Blake, 17. Sef Fa’agase, 18. Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, 19. Seru Uru, 20. Joe Brial, 21. Kalani Thomas, 22. James O’Connor, 23. Tim Ryan.
MATCH OFFICIALS- Referee: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jeremy Markey
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
