Reds big guns back for Super clash with Western Force

The Reds welcome back four stars in Liam Wright, Suliasi Vunivalu, James O'Connor and Jock Campbell for Super Round as they tackle the Western Force.

LIAM WRIGHT.
LIAM WRIGHT. Picture: Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images

The cavalry has arrived for Queensland, who are out to rebound in their Super Rugby Pacific clash with Western Force after a disappointing opening loss.

Reds coach Brad Thorn has made four changes to the line-up for Super Round, with all 12 teams playing in Melbourne over three days starting Friday night.

On Sunday afternoon at AAMI Park, Queensland will look to improve on a 47-13 loss to the Hurricanes while the Force are hunting successive wins after they opened their season with a seven-point victory over the Melbourne Rebels.

Co-captain Liam Wright will return to the side at blindside flanker after a week's lay-off with concussion, while Wallabies backs Suliasi Vunivalu, James O'Connor and Jock Campbell have their first outing.

"The Force kicked off their season with a good win last week, they'll be a tough contest as always," Thorn said on Thursday.

"We'll welcome back Liam, Suli, James and Jock. They're all experienced players who will bring a lot to our team.

"We're looking forward to getting down to Melbourne for Super Round. Having all 12 teams in the one city is a great spectacle for our game."

Wright's inclusion sees Seru Uru shift to lock where he'll partner Ryan Smith, with Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight starting in the back-row.

Tom Lynagh retains his spot at five-eighth after debuting last week, partnering co-captain Tate McDermott in the halves.

A hand injury to Isaac Henry sees Josh Flook shift to outside centre, with Vunivalu taking his spot on the wing.

Hunter Paisami starts in the No.12 jersey, with winger Filipo Daugunu and fullback Jordan Petaia rounding out the side.

Utility back Campbell and playmaker O'Connor provide strike power off the bench while Peni Ravai, Jake Upfield and Connor Anderson will feature again after making their Super Rugby debuts last week.

Reds: Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright (cc), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia. Res: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa'agase, Peni Ravai, Jake Upfield, Connor Anderson, Kalani Thomas, James O'Connor, Jock Campbell.