Daugunu replaces injured Vunivalu

Winger Suliasi Vunivalu has been ruled out of the Queensland Reds Super Rugby Pacific Round 11 clash against the Chiefs tonight after sustaining a hamstring tightness.

 

The injury sees fellow countryman Filipo Daugunu make the run-on team after being initially named on the bench.

 

Vunivalu played just seven games last season and missed the first seven of this Super Rugby Pacific campaign due to hamstring issues.

 

Injury denied him a chance to push for Wallabies selection last season with time again running out for the supreme athlete to force his way into the reckoning for July's three-Test series against England.

 

Coach Brad Thorn said they had no choice but to be cautious given his recent history of setbacks and are hopeful he will play a part in the Reds' push to the finals.

 

"He has some tightness in his hamstring so we're just making sure he's in a good space with that," Thorn said, reports rugby.com.au.

 

"It was a short week (after playing on Saturday ... better to be safe than sorry.

 

"We were looking to play him but (he felt) a little bit of tightness, so we've got to be smart about these things."

 

The Reds will face the Chiefs at 7.45pm.

 

Reds: Harry Hoopert, Richie Asiata, Taniela Tupou, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Lawson Creighton, Josh Flook, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell.

 

Reserves: Matt Faessler, Dane Zander, Feao Fotuaika, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Floyd Aubrey, Mac Grealy.

 

Chiefs: Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Luke Jacobson (c), Kaylum Boshier, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Pohipi, Alex Nankivell, Jonah Lowe, Chase Tiatia.

 

Reserves: Bradley Slater, Atu Moli, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Mitch Brown, Xavier Roe, Rivez Reihana.

 

By Romeka Romena