Filipo Daugunu will step in for fellow Wallaby Hunter Paisami in the Queensland Reds backline for their do-or-die Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.
Paisami has been ruled out with a knee injury, and the versatile Daugunu will slot into the inside centre position. He is one of four changes to the Reds team that secured a 45-24 home victory over the Fijian Drua last Friday.
Reds coach Les Kiss praised Daugunu's adaptability, stating: "Filipo again shows his great versatility after starting at wing, outside centre and inside centre for us previously as well as having a cameo at flanker late in one game. His power in midfield and his ability to jackal will be a threat to contend with. There's no doubt the understanding he has with (outside centre) Josh Flook is an asset for us."
In-form fullback Jock Campbell returns after being rested last week, taking the No.15 jersey from young talent Treyvon Pritchard. The other two changes are in the forwards, with hooker Josh Nasser and flanker Joe Brial promoted to the starting lineup, replacing the benched Matt Faessler and the injured Seru Uru (back).
"We have had some strong finishes to games, and that has been on the back of our bench where we are well stacked," Kiss added.
The Reds are desperate to end a frustrating run of four consecutive qualifying final losses, including two under Kiss, whose tenure as Queensland coach will conclude this weekend if the Chiefs prevail.
"The 'W' (win) is the big thing in sport, and that's the true measure of success in a lot of ways, but there are other things that come into success," said Kiss, who is set to become Wallabies coach. "We've deepened the squad big time this year. We've had a fair few injuries, but we haven't tried to lean on that. We've just said 'let's grow our squad' and guys step up and perform. There's a great culture here, there are people developing at a great rate of knots ... there are a lot of other signs that this club has done exceptionally well. We will always recognise those things, but these boys are hungry for a win. They want us to go another step forward, as do I and the coaching team. That's the mission. We've got to go there and we've got to stand up. It excites us no end to take on this challenge in a hostile environment against a good club."
Meanwhile, in other Super Rugby Pacific action, the ACT Brumbies have elevated hooker Lachlan Lonergan and openside flanker Luke Reimer to their starting team for Friday night's qualifying final against the Hurricanes in Wellington. Like the Reds, the Brumbies must win to keep their season alive.
Queensland Reds team to face Chiefs
Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell. Bench: Matt Faessler, George Blake, Massimo De Lutiis, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard.
ACT Brumbies team to face Hurricanes
James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Ollie Sapsford.
