‘Unpredictable’ Uru a key Reds weapon
The “unpredictability” of Reds milestone man Seru Uru looms large for a Queensland outfit intent of becoming the first Australian team to win a Super Rugby finals clash on New Zealand soil.
Fiji-born Wallabies hopeful Uru will make his 50th appearance for Queensland when the Reds meet the Chiefs in Friday night’s Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final in Hamilton.
It’s a repeat of last season’s do-or-die finals affair between the teams at the same venue, FMG Stadium.
On that night, Chiefs won 29-20 to end the Reds’ season in the first week of the finals.
However, the Queenslanders go into Friday night’s battle with much more confidence, with lock Uru’s form among the reasons for the Reds’ belief that they can end the run of outs Australian sides have had across the Tasman in Super Rugby playoffs.
“He’s an incredibly popular member of our group Seru,” Reds co-captain Tate McDermott said.
“It’s just the unpredictability his game. He’s got the off-loading ability, he’s got the ability to break the line, he’s got the speed and he’s really worked hard and improved his defensive capabilities as well.
“I’m really happy for Seru. He’s been unbelievable for us. What comes natural to him is his ability, like any Fijian, is to break the line and offload, and his attacking, but the way he’s grafted away at his set pieces has been phenomenal.
“I can’t wait to see Seru lead us out (on Friday night). It’s awesome to see Seru come in and add so much to our team. We value his work immensely.”
McDermott has also been pleased with the development of his halves partner Tom Lynagh, who won the hotly contested battle for Queensland’s No.10 jersey.
“It’s just trust. I’ve spent a lot of time with Tommy Lynagh off-field as well, and built that relationship,” the Reds halfback said.
“Tommy’s development has come from having three other good No.10s that he’s competing with week in, week out … James O’Connor, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Lawson Creighton.
“The depth in that position, and the competition has been crucial for Tommy’s game.
“The team can see what he’s capable of. I’m excited (but) we don’t want him to be a hero (against the Chiefs), we just want him to do his core game to the best of his ability.
“His kicking is going to be incredibly important for us. He’s a crucial cog in our wheel.
“For us it’s a battle of the mind (on Friday night), and we’ve just got to bring what we’ve been bringing all year, and a hell of a lot more of it as well.”
Chiefs: Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson. Bench: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona.
Reds: Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, John Bryant, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Sef Fa’agase, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton. Taj Annan.
