Brisbane City flatly deny the damaging blow of losing Fijian powerhouse Samu Kerevi will be a factor in their NRC final duel against Perth Spirit’s Super Rugby-infused backline.
Instead of Queensland Reds tackle-shredder Kerevi (quad) lining up as a Ballymore strike weapon on Saturday night, former club rugby halfback Jack Mullins will slot in at inside centre.
While the in-form Kerevi was a revelation at the end of the Super Rugby season for the Reds, Brisbane coach Nick Stiles was quick to point out City won both previous matches he missed.
One was the round two victory over the Spirit in Perth and the most recent was only a fortnight ago against the Canberra Vikings when Mullins led the way with 20-plus tackles and the opening try as his replacement.
Stiles said the former Easts premiership captain’s “outstanding” defensive energy was what the doctor ordered against a backline featuring Western Force players Zack Holmes, Luke Morahan, Junior Rasolea, Marcel Brache and Dane Haylett-Perry.
“While we miss big Samu’s physicality, what we get in Jack Mullins’s competitiveness is what you want in a grand final,” Stiles said.
“Samu has had a strong presence for City all season, but this side has made its way to the final through the collective efforts of the entire squad.”
Utility Mullins, who led Easts to the 2013 Queensland premiership, is the only change to the Brisbane side which overcame NSW Country 32-26 in their Gosford semi-final.
Perth have retained the same starting 15 and bench which shocked unbeaten minor premiers Melbourne Rebels 45-29 at AAMI Park.
“Our effort last week against the Rising was outstanding and we know we will need to match that this week,” said Spirit coach Kevin Foote.
While Brisbane have six players with Super Rugby experience in their starting lineup, highlighted by their Reds back-row of Curtis Browning, Liam Gill and Jake Schatz, the Spirit boast nine.
Of Perth’s dangerous backline, only inside centre Ammon Matuauto hasn’t played for the Force.
Brisbane City: Brando Va’aulu, Chris Kuridrani, Toby White, Jack Mullins, Matt Feaunati, Jake McIntyre, Nick Frisby; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Curtis Browning, David McDuling (capt), Marco Kotze, Sef Faagase, Andrew Ready, Pettowa Paraka. Res: Matt Mafi, David Feao, Phil Kite, Tim Buchanan, Adam Korczyk, Will Thompson, James Dalgleish, Junior Laloifi.
Perth Spirit: Dane Haylett-Perry, Luke Morahan, Junior Rasolea, Ammon Matuauto, Marcel Brache, Zack Holmes, Ian Prior; Alex Rovira, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Brent Murphy, Sam Wykes (capt), Oliver Hoskins, Robbie Abel, Pek Cowan. Res: Harry Scoble, Joe Savage, Chris Heiberg, Kieran Stringer, Richard Hardwick, Justin Turner, Davis Tavita, Christian Joubert.
