Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson will feel “privileged” to captain Queensland for the first time on Saturday when the Reds meet the Highlanders in Dunedin.
With Queensland’s co-captains Tate McDermott and Liam Wright, as well as vice-captain Fraser McReight, not playing this weekend, No.8 Wilson will become Queensland’s 128th skipper.
“I feel very privileged to be able to captain Queensland,” said Wilson, who was given the Wallabies captaincy last year by national coach Joe Schmidt.
“I’ve always liked to lead in my own way and help the team in any way I can. It just happens I’ll have the ‘C’ next to my name this week. A week later I’ll probably be back to my normal role.
“I definitely feel more relaxed in this captaincy situation because of the Wallabies experiences I had last year.
“I just want to really enjoy this with a squad that has the opportunity to go to New Zealand and get a win in a city where we haven’t done so for 12 years.”
Wright remains sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder problem, McReight injured his AC joint in Queensland’s 35-15 win over NSW last Saturday, while McDermott is being “game-managed” as part of an agreement between the Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia.
Kalani Thomas will replace McDermott as the Reds’ starting flyhalf, with Louis Werchon brought into the 23-man squad as Thomas’s deputy.
“Kalani has made a difference every time he’s come off the bench this season,” Wilson said.
McReight’s spot at openside flanker will be filled by John Bryant.
“‘JB’ played very well with his opportunities at No.7 last year against the Highlanders and Blues,” Wilson said.
“We pride ourselves on players being ready to step up when chances come and on big performances away from home.”
Apart from McDermott, lock Ryan Smith also won’t travel to New Zealand as part of a game-management process, with Angus Blyth taking his spot in Queensland’s starting team.
Hooker Richie Asiata has also been elevated to the Reds’ starting 15, replacing the injured Matt Faessler (leg).
Queensland’s bench will include Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who is set to make his first appearance of the Super Rugby Pacific season after recovering from a leg injury he suffered on the Reds’ pre-season tour of the UK.
Reds coach Les Kiss is confident his team can secure back-to-back wins.
“It’ll be a good atmosphere and a challenge to enjoy,” Kiss said.
“We have a game we think we can win with. We just have to put it on the park with the balance we have been working on.
“Guys like John Bryant and (bench forward) Joe Brial step up for us with lots of qualities and Lukhan is a massive addition who will add leadership as well.”
Kiss also praised Wilson’s leadership qualities.
“His presence in the locker room makes him the ideal man for the captaincy this week,” the Reds coach said.
Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, John Bryant, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray. Bench: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo de Lutiis, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho.
https://thewest.com.au/news/privileged-harry-wilson-to-captain-queensland-reds-for-first-time-c-18091242
