The Reds kick off round eight with a historic game against Moana Pasifika in Apia on Friday afternoon.
It will be the Auckland-based club's first home game in Samoa.
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MOANA PASIFIKA vs REDS in Apia, Friday 2.05pm AEST
James O'Connor will return to the Reds starting XV for Friday's historic clash with Moana Pasifika in Apia.
O'Connor will start at inside centre in place of Isaac Henry (hamstring) while Jake Upfield comes in at blindside flanker for Liam Wright (hand).
Suliasi Vunivalu is also back in Brad Thorn's good books and will start on the wing ahead of Filipo Daugunu.
"It's a historic game for the competition and for rugby in the Pacific Islands," Thorn said.
"Moana Pasifika will be a challenge in front of their passionate fans and we're looking forward to a tough contest.
"Congratulations to Jordy on his 50th cap. He's in fine form so it's great to see him reach the milestone."
Meanwhile, Niko Jones – the son of All Blacks legend Michael – comes into Moana's starting side at openside flanker in place of the injured Alamanda Motuga.
"The boys understand the significance of representing in front of our home crowd," Moana coach Aaron Mauger said.
MOANA PASIFIKA (15-1): William Havili, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai, Lincoln McClutchie, Ereatara Enari, Solomone Funaki (c), Niko Jones, Miracle Faiilagi, Mike McKee, Michael Curry, Isi Tu'ungafasi, Samuel Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth
Reserves: Luteru Tolai, Abraham Pole, Suetena Asomua, Potu Leavasa, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Mike McKee, Jonah Mau'u, Manu Paea, D'Angelo Leuila, Fine Inisi
REDS (15-1): Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, James O'Connor, Jordan Petaia, Lawson Creighton, Tate McDermott (c), Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Jake Upfield, Ryan Smith, Connor Vest, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Sef Fa'agase
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Lopeti Faifua, Connor Anderson, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
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BRUMBIES vs DRUA in Canberra, Friday 7.35pm AEST
Scotsman Sam Thomson will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Brumbies after coach Stephen Larkham decided to field a new lock pairing for the home match against the Drua.
Thomson is a well travelled 29-year-old who has played professionally in Scotland, France and Japan but not yet in Australia.
Thomson was an unused substitute against the Waratahs in round six but will start alongside Wallabies second rower Darcy Swain on Friday.
"Our locks have put in some really big minutes over the first seven rounds so we had to freshen them up but we won't lose anything with Darcy coming and we've got full confidence in Sam to execute his role for us," Larkham said.
Nick Frost is on the bench while Cadeyrn Neville is rested after playing his 100th match last weekend.
The other changes see Ryan Lonergan start ahead of Nic White at halfback, Ollie Sapsford replace Tamati Tua in the centres while Ben O'Donnell is on the left wing for Corey Toole, who was concussed by Angus Blyth.
"It's critical we finish this block of the season well and we're aware the Drua pose a unique threat in this competition so we've gone with as strong a lineup as we could put out for Friday night," Larkham said.
BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O'Donnell, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Sam Thomson, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper
Reserves: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Nic White, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith
DRUA (15-1): Kitione Taliga, Eroni Sau, Iosefo Masi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre , Teti Tela (c), Peni Matawalu, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave
Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Leone Rotuisolia, Rusiate Nasove, Philip Baselala, Michael Naitokani, Ilaisa Droasese
Referee: Damon Murphy
NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney and Morgan Turinui unpack a huge Brumbies statement, what now for Brad Thorn and Beauden Barrett's return to form
https://omny.fm/shows/between-two-posts-1/never-write-off-a-champion/embed?style=Cover
HURRICANES vs CHIEFS in Wellington, Saturday 12.35pm AEST
HURRICANES (TBC)
CHIEFS (TBC)
Referee: Jordan Way
WARATAHS vs FORCE in Sydney, Saturday 7.35pm AEST
WARATAHS (TBC)
FORCE (TBC)
Referee: Angus Gardner
BYES: BLUES, CRUSADERS, HIGHLANDERS, REBELS
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