Reds Stars Injured, Uru Set To Play Against Drua

Former Fijian Under-20 cap­tain Seru Uru is expected to start against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in Satur­day’s Super Rugby Pacific clash at the Suncorp Stadium in Bris­bane.

This was after Australian Wal­labies and Queensland Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been ruled out due to injury.

According to rugby.com.au, Sakaia-Loto played just four minutes in his captaincy debut against the Western Force last Friday before limping off with an ankle injury.

Scans are still to be received but it’s expected he’ll miss at least four weeks with a high ankle sprain.

It’s the same injury that side­lined Tate McDermott- the man Salakaia-Loto replaced as captain - a week ago.

The Reds are also without back­rower Angus Scott-Young (knee), while there is no clear timeline on the return of first-choice hooker Alex Mafi (neck) and flying Fijian winger Suliasi Vunivalu (ham­string) is still several weeks away from his latest comeback.

Fellow co-captian Liam Wright (shoulder) will press for a return against the Drua, while Taniela Tupou (back) and Hunter Paisami (knee) enjoyed impressive re­turns in their fine win in Perth.

An interesting battle looms in the front row between Tupou and Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, the Drua loosehead prop.

In the backs Reds centre part­nership of Hamish Stewart and Hunter Paisami taking on Drua’s Kalaveti Ravouvou and Apisa­lome Vota.

Also available for selection for the Reds are wingers Filipo Dau­gunu and Ilaisa Droasese. Dau­gunu played for Reds in their clash against the Rebels and Waratahs but was rested last weekend.

The Reds are unbeaten after three games despite their injury concerns, rookie hooker Matt Faessler the latest to debut with distinction in an impressive late-game cameo against the Force.

The Drua will pose another test though, particularly on a dry Sun­corp Stadium track, after notch­ing their first win against the Re­bels last weekend.

The Fijians are further strength­ened with the inclusion of experi­enced halfback Frank Lomani.

Lomani will be available for se­lection and is likely to combine with Teti Tela, who is expected the man the No.10 spot after Baden Kerr is still injured.

Tela, a former Reds first five eight, showed his class when he kicked over four penalties and a conversion in their 31-26 win over the Rebels.

He is going to face a tough chal­lenge in Reds first five eight, James O’Connor.

And the Reds will be tested twice by the Brumbies in the three weeks that follow Saturday’s clash, as well as a home game against the Waratahs.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj