Sawt Falasteen - Kiss urges under-strength Reds to 'rip in' against Lions

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Kiss urges under-strength Reds to 'rip in' against Lions / Photo: William WEST - AFP

Kiss urges under-strength Reds to 'rip in' against Lions

SPORTS 30.06.2025

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss called on his side to dominate the breakdown and "rip in" against the British and Irish Lions after on Monday naming a team missing a host of key players.

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The Reds face the tourists in Brisbane on Wednesday, having watched Andy Farrell's men demolish Western Force 54-7 at the weekend.

"In this match, we have to be very good at the breakdown and aerially. They've shown their attacking side too," said Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt as Wallabies boss next year

"We have to meet those challenges but we'll put our brand of rugby out there as well. We'll keep backing ourselves. Why can't we put our best foot forward, rip in and see what happens?"

The Reds' job has been made harder by the absence of six players who remain with the extended Australia squad as they prepare for a one-off Test against Fiji on Saturday.

While Schmidt released hooker Matt Faessler and centre Hunter Paisami, the likes of Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson remain in camp.

Kiss was still able to name a squad boasting nine Wallabies and two All Blacks, with experienced fullback Jock Campbell captaining the side.

The pack has been stiffened by the inclusion of prop Aidan Ross, who signed for the Reds after playing for the Waikato Chiefs in the recent Super Rugby final.

Ross, who played a Test for the All Blacks in 2022, will form a front-row with Faessler and former New Zealand prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen.

Both Ross and Toomaga-Allen have previous experience packing against the Lions in 2017 for Super Rugby clubs.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto partners Josh Canham in the second row, with Seru Uru and John Bryant as the flankers with Joe Brial at No.8.

Kalani Thomas at No.9 and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips form the half-back pairing with Paisami and Josh Flook together in the centres.

"Excitement is high that's for sure," Kiss said. "This is a great opportunity for our Reds players."

When the two sides met in 2013, the Lions won 22-12.

Queensland Reds (15-1):

Jock Campbell (capt); Lachie Anderson, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan; Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Kalani Thomas; Joe Brial, John Bryant, Seru Uru; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham; Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Aidan Ross

Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Sef Fa'agase, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Louis Werchon, Isaac Henry

H.Jarrar--SF-PST

Sawt Falasteen - Kiss urges under-strength Reds to 'rip in' against Lions

Kiss urges under-strength Reds to 'rip in' against Lions

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