Daugunu shifts to inside centre as Reds prepare for Chiefs qualifying final

Filipo Daugunu will start at inside centre for the Queensland Reds in their Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, with the Wallaby utility back handed the No.12 jersey to fill the void left by the injured Hunter Paisami. It is only the second time in Daugunu’s professional career that he has worn the shirt, his first coming in round 15 against Moana Pasifika.

The 31-year-old’s selection underlines the positional flexibility that head coach Les Kiss has leaned on throughout the season. “Filipo again shows his great versatility after starting at wing, outside centre and inside centre for us previously, as well as having a cameo at flanker late in one game,” Kiss said. “His power in midfield and his ability to jackal will be a threat to contend with. There’s no doubt the understanding he has with Josh Flook is an asset for us.”

Daugunu will line up opposite Chiefs centre Quinn Tupaea in what shapes as a pivotal midfield battle. The Reds have proven a persistent thorn in the Chiefs’ side during the Hamilton franchise’s recent run of dominance, and Kiss acknowledged the scale of the task ahead. “It excites us no end to take on this challenge in a hostile environment against a good club,” he said.

Flanker Fraser McReight captains the side and will reach a personal milestone in the process, becoming a Reds centurion at the age of 27. “To think about 100 games is very special for me and my family. What better week for it than a qualifying final? Everyone here is primed and ready to go,” McReight said.

Kiss was equally effusive about his captain’s achievement. “Fraser stands tall in this place as one of the greats. To reach 100 games at 27 is a phenomenal achievement. His impact at the Reds is obvious on the pitch with his jackalling skills, awareness in attack and his defensive workrate. However, his standing in the locker room and the club makes him one of the most important figures in Queensland rugby.”

Joe Brial returns to the starting back row, while Jock Campbell starts at fullback after a strong run of form. Treyvon Pritchard provides cover from the bench. Seru Uru misses the match, with Hamish Muller named among the replacements to provide the physicality he has delivered throughout the regular season. Kiss highlighted the depth in his front row as a potential weapon across the full 80 minutes. “The ability to start and finish with a strong front row will be crucial in this match,” he said. “We have had some strong finishes to games, and that has been on the back of our bench, where we are well stacked.”