Queensland Reds vs Blues: Super Rugby semi-final preview
The first semi-final of the Super Rugby championship is going to be played between the two arch rival derbies, Queensland Reds and the Blues on July 1, at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. The Australian conference Reds, who have won the title twice, are determined
to make their third appearance in the final of Super Rugby championship. Meanwhile, the New Zealand franchise Blues, are looking forward to play their sixth final on July 9.
Both sides are lucky to get back key before the highly anticipated clash. The Reds have been helped by three recoveries including Digby Ioane and Anthony Faingaa, who were suffering from various injuries. On the other hand the Blues have also marked a couple
of returns to their side as Rene Rangers and Lachie Munro are said to be recovered from hamstring and rib injuries.
However, the Reds will miss one of their best forwards, James Slipper, from the crucial game and Blues are deprived of Anthony Boric because of fitness issues.
Reds Quade Cooper, Will Genia and James Horwill will be players to watch out for against the Blues. The trio has been performing consistently for their side in the ongoing Super Rugby championship. Meanwhile, the Blues will be looking towards Luke McAlister
and Beau Robinson to give their best output in the match.
The Reds have got a little advantage over the Blues as they have defeated the New Zealander derby, in the 12th round of Super Rugby, on May 20.
The teams for the clash have recently been announced by the head coaches of both teams. On June 29, Blues coach Pat Lam said that he has made some tough decisions after the comeback of key injured players. He said that, "It's a tough decision as we go through
it but it's about getting through today's training, getting over to Brisbane and then making a call tomorrow when we get over there. We've still got plenty of time, we've got three days before the game and it's seeing how they both come out of training today."
The Reds coach Ewen McKenzie announced his team on June 30 and said that, “We've been extremely impressed with the way our squad has handled the absence of some of our regulars, but you need strike power and experience to win big games and we have that
returning in spades on Saturday night.”
Both the teams would enter the field with following squads:
Queensland: Jono Lance, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley.
Reserves: James Hanson, Guy Shepherdson, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ian Prior, Will Chambers.
Blues Team: 15. Jared Payne, 14. Joe Rokocoko, 13. Benson Stanley, 12. Luke McAlister, 11. Lachie Munro /Rene Ranger, 10. Stephen Brett, 9. Alby Mathewson, 8. Peter Saili, 7. Luke Braid, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Ali Williams, 4. Chris Lowrey,
3. John Afoa, 2. Keven Mealamu (c), 1. Charlie Faumuina. Reserves: 16. Tom McCartney, 17. Tevita Mailau, 18. James King/Mat Luamanu, 19. Daniel Braid, 20. Chris Smylie, 21. Lachie Munro/Rene Ranger, 22. Winston Stanley/Sherwin Stowers.
With the decisive match only a few hours away, keep checking back for updates and analysis as we keep you update on bettor.com
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