Super Rugby Waratahs to host Reds at Leichhardt Oval

Queensland Reds keen for revenge in Super Rugby Pacific grudge match with NSW Waratahs . Unhappy with being “bullied” by the NSW Waratahs less than two weeks ago, the Queensland Reds are intent on revenge at Leichhardt Oval on Friday night.

The Waratahs weren’t afraid to get physical when beating the Reds 21-14 in their pre-season trial in Roma on February 5. The NSW Waratahs have defeated the Queensland Reds 21-14 in their final pre-season hit out of 2022 as part of the Santos Festival of Rugby in Roma.

Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman named an almost full-strength side to begin proceedings, providing an opportunity for his players to build some combinations ahead of their opening match of the Super Rugby Pacific season against the Fijian Drua in Round 1.

2021 Wallabies squad members Angus Bell, Lachlan Swinton, Jake Gordon, Izzy Perese and Lalakai Foketi all returned to the starting side, while Wales International Jamie Roberts was named on the bench.

A power outage in Roma delayed the start of the match by almost an hour and a half but it was the Waratahs who burst out of the blocks in the opening stages of the match.

While the Queenslanders bounced back with a 23-5 first-round Super Rugby Pacific home win over the Melbourne Rebels last Saturday night, they are still angered by their loss to arch rivals NSW, and won’t accept being again overpowered, with the Bob Templeton Cup on the line this week.

Downs Rugby’s Men’s 7s side with limited preparation, played an aggressive style to only just fall short in the semi-final against Sunshine Coast based Tahi.

Downs Rugby’s calendar now heads towards representative City Country trial fixtures on Saturday, March 19 at Condamine’s Fishtank in Girls Under 15 XVs, Under 19 Colts, Senior Women’s XVs and Senior Men’s XVs.

Downs Rugby’s first competition kick off for 2022 starts on the evening of Friday, February 25 with Teenage Boys.

Downs Rugby welcomed the inclusion of Valley Rugby Union Football Club, formed by Thomas Kent primarily from the Rugby RU Foundation / Darling Downs Super Schools Cup.

The Valley U15 teenage boys will compete for the Tim Horan Shield and representative honours.

Valley RUFC is the feeder club for the Gatton Black Pigs and Black Sows, with the club celebrating its 100th year on August 6, 2022.

Senior Rugby kicks off on Saturday, April 9.

Junior U6 to 12s commences with the traditional Goondiwindi opening carnival on Saturday, April 23.

Dalby’s John Ritter Oval plays host to the Hospital Cup Premier Grade grand final rematch between GPS Gallopers vs UQ Red Heavies on Saturday, April 2.

Youth Girl’s 7s commences on Friday, March 18.

All information, draws and how to register is available at www.downsrugby.com.au.

Downs Rugby is delighted to host the 2022 Queensland Country Rugby Union State Championships at Toowoomba Sports Ground and the Toowoomba Grammar School July 1-3, 2022.

Reds Squad

Reds: Feao Fotuaika, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, Angus Blyth, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell.

Bench: Josh Nasser, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Spencer Jeans, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy.

source https://thedailyrugby.com/super-rugby-waratahs-to-host-reds-at-leichhardt-oval/