Reds Vs Waratahs: Ryan And Uru Return As Queensland Host NSW In Suncorp Showdown
The Queensland Reds take on the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium in a rematch of their opening-round meeting as Reds Vs Waratahs rivalry returns to Brisbane. Tim Ryan and Seru Uru have been named to start for the home side as coverage begins at 7: 00 pm ET and kickoff is expected at 7: 35 pm ET.
Reds Vs Waratahs Lineups And Late Changes
The Reds’ starting XV features Aidan Ross at fullback with Carter Gordon at flyhalf and Tim Ryan on the wing. Seru Uru starts at lock in place of the unavailable Josh Canham. The Reds named Fraser McReight as captain and include replacements Richie Asiata—who will earn his 50th Queensland cap—George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and others on the bench.
The Waratahs made several adjustments after a heavy loss last week, with Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey and James Hendren recalled to the starting side. The visitors were forced into a late change when Charlie Gamble withdrew and was replaced by Jamie Adamson.
Assistant referees for the match are Maggie Cogger-Orr and Warwick Lahmert.
Form, Motivation And Key Quotes
Round-one history sets a charged tone: the Waratahs beat the Reds 36-12 in Sydney, while the Reds have since bounced back with a hard-fought 34-31 win over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra. The Waratahs also arrive smarting from a 59-19 defeat to the Hurricanes, prompting lineup changes and a reset in approach.
Reds flyhalf Carter Gordon said the team has been building after the comeback in Canberra and is excited to play his first interstate game against the Waratahs in a Reds jersey. Reds Head Coach Les Kiss emphasised the value of hometown support and the importance of preparation, noting the rivalry is one the players and fans look forward to.
Waratahs captain Matt Philip stressed that chasing Wallabies spots is not the primary motivation for his team; instead the focus is on rectifying the previous week’s performance and treating the match as a clean slate at the Reds’ home ground.
Kickoff, Coverage And Crowd Targets
The fixture at Suncorp Stadium will be shown live on Stan Sport, with coverage starting at 7: 00 pm ET and kickoff expected at 7: 35 pm ET. Reds management has urged supporters to push attendance past the 16, 655 who saw the teams meet in Sydney in Round One and to aim to better last year’s Suncorp crowd of 20, 072 for the corresponding fixture.
For the Reds, the return of Ryan and Uru restores experience and depth as they look to make it six straight wins at Suncorp Stadium against these rivals. For the Waratahs, the altered lineup represents an attempt to respond after a heavy loss and reclaim the early-season edge they showed in round one.
The matchup is framed as a true interstate grudge match, with both sides pointing to different recent results as motivation. Expect a fierce contest built on rivalry history, lineup tweaks and the desire for immediate redemption or consolidation as the teams meet under Brisbane lights.
