Ryan Smith, Jeremy Williams named captains for Reds in clash against Force

Queensland Reds have appointed lock Ryan Smith as captain for their Super Rugby Pacific derby against the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium.

Smith, 28, steps up in the absence of co-captain Liam Wright, who is out with injury, and rested Wallabies duo Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight.

Smith previously captained the Reds in a match against the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan and is regarded as a respected leader within the squad.

Head coach Les Kiss confirmed the appointment and praised Smith’s leadership credentials: “'Smithy' did an excellent job in his week of captaincy in Japan and he is highly respected within our squad.”

Meanwhile, Tate McDermott returns to the bench as Kalani Thomas earns the start at halfback following an impressive display against the Highlanders.

The Western Force have also named a new captain for the derby, with second-rower Jeremy Williams taking on leadership duties.

The Force’s lineup sees the return of Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch, who slots back into the starting XV after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for two weeks. His comeback adds pace and firepower to the Force backline in a high-stakes clash.

Flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny also returns to the starting lineup, while Marley Pearce earns a start at loosehead prop.

The Force’s matchday 23 features former Reds players Hamish Stewart and Mac Grealy, adding an extra layer of intrigue as they look to break a Brisbane drought dating back to 2016.

The Reds will start with Alex Hodgman, Richie Asiata, and Massimo De Lutiis in the front row, with Hodgman and De Lutiis promoted after strong showings off the bench last week. Their scrum, praised by Kiss, is expected to play a vital role against a physical Force pack.

Queensland Reds XV: Alex Hodgman, Richie Asiata, Massimo De Lutiis, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith (c), Seru Uru, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray

Reserves: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho

Western Force XV: Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Reserves: Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Reed Prinsep, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan Pasitoa