Former Fijian Under-20 captain Seru Uru starts at lock for Queensland Reds in their Super Rugby AU opener against NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, tonight.

Uru who played for Ratu Kadavulevu School when they hoisted the Deans Trophy in 2015 has been in impressive form scoring two tries against the Waratahs in last week’s friendly. Uru was the 2016 Fiji Rugby Union’s Secondary School Player of the Year.

The Namoli, Lautoka, native is the son of former Army and Fijian 7s star forward Tuidriva Bainivalu.

With Suliasi Vunivalu suspended, Ilaisa Droasese have moved up to the reserve bench with Moses Sorovi. Droasese will likely get a run later in the game while Filipo Daugunu is on the starting line-up.

Reds coach Brad Thorn didn’t wait long to make his first selection shock of the year, after naming Reds superstar Taniela Tupou on the bench.

Stood down winger Vunivalu joins Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (suspension), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (ankle) and Liam Wright (ankle) as the big names missing from the Reds first team of the season.

The Reds backline is stacked though with five Wallabies in the backfield, including new stand-in skipper James O’Connor at flyhalf and the dangerous Jordan Petaia on the right wing.

“How good is to have rugby back,” said Thorn.

“It’s the first time in four years we’ve had a home game to kick-off the season, so we’re looking forward to playing some entertaining footy in front our Queensland fans.

“Three guys could make their debuts which is a great thing to recognise. They’ve worked hard in the pre-season and deserve their selection.”

Meanwhile, the Waratahs have named former Reds flyer Izaia Perese at outside centre. Perese has returned to rugby following a stint in France and in rugby league, and will team up with the ever-impressive Joey Walton in the centres.

Rob Penney has a fresh lock pairing in Sam Caird and Jack Whetton, with both off-season recruits starting in a new-look Tahs team while Jack Maddocks will play his 50th Super Rugby match after being named at fullback while Mark Nawaqanitawase is on the reserves.

The match kicks off at 8.45pm and is shown live of Sky Pacific

LINE-UP

Reds: 1. Dane Zander, 2. Alex Mafi, 3. Feao Fotuaika, 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Seru Uru, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. James O’Connor (c), 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Hunter Paisami, 14. Jordan Petaia, 15. Jock Campbell

Reserves: 16. Richie Asiata*, 17. Harry Hoopert, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Ryan Smith*, 20. Tuania Tali Taualima, 21. Moses Sorovi, 22. Bryce Hegarty, 23. Ilaisa Droasese*

Waratahs: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Horton, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 4. Sam Caird, 5. Jack Whetton, 6. Will Harris, 7. Carlo Tizzano, 8. Jack Dempsey, 9. Jake Gordon (c), 10. Will Harrison, 11. James Ramm, 12. Joey Walton, 13. Izaia Perese, 14. Alex Newsome, 15. Jack Maddocks

Reserves: 16. Dave Porecki, 17. Tetera Faulkner, 18. Sio Tatola, 19. Jeremy Williams, 20. Hugh Sinclair, 21. Jack Grant, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Feedback:  ranobab@fijisun.com.fj