Wallabies captain makes timely return ahead of B&I Lions tour as Joe Schmidt’s fly-half stocks receive a massive boost
Wallabies captain makes timely return ahead of B&I Lions tour as Joe Schmidt's fly-half stocks receive a massive boost
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has made a timely return to the Reds starting lineup following a broken arm that he sustained back in April.
The injury, which came about in the final minutes of the Super Rugby Pacific match against the Chiefs, has seen the number 8 spend much of the last month watching on from the sidelines over the past month.
His return to the starting lineup is expected to add real power to the play-off chasing Reds.
“It’s exciting to be back and ready to get into it again,” Wilson said ahead of this week’s clash with the Hurricanes.
“For the Reds and ‘Canes, there is a lot to play for on Friday night because top four is where you want to be entering finals.
“The ‘Canes have one of the best-performing backrows in the comp. That’s something we have always prided ourselves on at the Reds as well.
Wilson returns to take the place of 22-year-old John Bryant, praising the young lad for “stepping up” in his absence.
Les Kiss, pleased to have his captain back
“Harry has been a complete pro with the way he has worked hard to be supremely fit while in our rehab group,” head coach Les Kiss said.
“We know the influence he has around the team. Back row is a really competitive space for us. We have Harry coming in for John Bryant, who was our Player of the Match against the Brumbies last weekend. JB will be a strong factor to have off the bench on Friday.”
Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh will also return to the play-off chasing Reds this weekend as he returns from a concussion injury. Lynagh’s return results in Harry McLaughlin-Phillips dropping back to the bench as the season draws to close.
It’s also worth noting that this timely return for both Lynagh and Wilson could be perfect timing to build up some match fitness ahead of the summer tests against the British and Irish Lions.
Wilson targets top four spot
“Top-four is where you want to be entering finals,” Wilson said, choosing to focus on his club responsibilities for the time being.
“We want to go deep in the finals. That was our goal at the start of year, and I see no reason why we can’t do that.”
There are just two games left in the standard Super Rugby Pacific season, with the Reds facing Fiji Drua in their final match to make the six team play-offs.
Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Dre Pakeho, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Tate McDermott (c), 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Joe Brial, 5 Ryan Smith, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Richie Asiata, 1 Sef Fa’agase
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18 Trevor King, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 John Bryant, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Tim Ryan
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