Faessler leads eight potential debutants as Reds take on Saitama in Shield clash

Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler will captain a new-look Queensland Reds side against Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights at Kumagaya Stadium, with eight players in line to earn their first capped appearances for the franchise in the Saitama-Queensland Shield.

Among the debutants in the starting XV are winger Taione Taka, who represented Australia at both under-18 and under-20 level this season, and halfback Cooper Stewart, who will partner capped Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh in the halves. Centre Dre Pakeho lines up alongside 2023 Rugby World Cup Wallaby Izaia Perese, while Tim Ryan and Lachie Anderson complete the back three.

Faessler packs down in an all-Wallabies front row alongside former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross and tighthead Zane Nonggorr. Charlie Brosnan and Cadeyrn Neville form the lock pairing, with Joe Brial, John Bryant and Vaiuta Latu at loose forward.

From the replacements bench, 18-year-old Kingsley Uys, Will Ross, Nicholas Conway, Mosiah Christian, Coby Miln and Lachie Hooper are also set to make their first cap appearances for Queensland. Hooper arrives having spent the season with Northland in New Zealand’s NPC competition, where he won a Ranfurly Shield and reached the NPC final.

The match will be the fifth Shield fixture between the two sides, with the Reds having won the last two encounters in Japan.

Reds head coach Vern Cotter highlighted the significance of the occasion for the squad’s younger players. “It’s an important game for us on tour and a good chance for our debutants to make a mark beside our experienced players,” he said.

“When I was considering the job at the Reds, one of the things I took note of was the strength of the pathways developing younger players in Queensland. We get to see some good players start their careers on Saturday.”