Tim Ryan's breakout performance for the Queensland Reds has been compared to one of rugby's all-time greats, Christian Cullen.
Dubbed the 'Junkyard Dog' for his all-or-nothing approach, Ryan stepped his way past Blues defenders for an effort that would put him firmly in contention for try of the year.
The 20-year-old even got Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt smiling after his hat-trick effort, watching on from the sidelines.
Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, with every match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
Ryan will start for the Reds when they play the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday where he'll be expected to back up.
"It's one thing doing it against a guy who works nine to five all week, trains Tuesday and Thursday night, he's putting his boots on as he's runs on to training… he turned Mark Telea inside out – one of the best wingers in the world – that's what surprises everyone," said Morgan Turinui on Stan Sport's The Call Up.
"You can do great things at club footy and we always talk about what the gulf is. There's a massive gulf between how good Hospital Cup is, which it is a Brisbane club comp, and playing the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific. That's what has amazed people.
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"Now what we want to see is a body of work, six weeks of it, and then making sure that the Reds are looking after him – which they will. I can't wait to see him do it again."
https://twitter.com/StanSportRugby/status/1785811997667328204
All Blacks great Mils Muliaina hailed Ryan's ability, comparing him to Cullen – the 'Paekakariki Express' – who scored 46 tries in 60 Tests.
"The other thing I'd like to add about his running style and his step… The last time I've seen that happen so wide off the left foot and still accelerate without losing your pace was the great Christian Cullen. So there's glimpses of the fact that he can actually do that," said Muliaina.
"The key now for him now is he's on notice. They will absolutely know his strengths and his strength is his running game, but also his weaknesses. They will have been analysing him big time. Cevu Reece would have had a good look. So there will be some excitement on the wings to see who wins those battles."
HURRICANES vs NSW WARATAHS, Friday 5.05pm AEST
The Hurricanes suffered their first loss of the season in round 10 against the Brumbies. They'll host the bottom-dwelling Waratahs in Wellington in round 11, who will not bring Max Jorgensen with them who will instead play for Randwick. Jorgensen makes way for Dylan Peitsch.
HURRICANES (1-15): Pouri Rakete-Stones, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Richard Judd, Brett Cameron, Bailyn Sullivan, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (c), Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
RESERVES: Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du'Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi
WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Fergus Lee-Warner, Lachlan Swinton, Hunter Ward, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harrison, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Mark Nawaqanitawase
RESERVES: Jay Fonokalafi, Lewis Ponini, Brad Amituanai, Miles Amatosero, Charlie Gamble, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Vuate Karawalevu
Referee: Dan Waenga
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter
https://twitter.com/StanSportRugby/status/1785490466164687185
MELBOURNE REBELS v BLUES, Friday 7.35pm AEST
Rob Leota will return to the starting 15 for the Rebels when they host the Blues in Melbourne. The Rebels sit fifth on the ladder, just one point ahead of the Reds.
Captain Rob Leota returns to the starting side as the Rebels look to bounce back against the second placed Blues in Melbourne. With such a tight table, this match could have major finals ramifications.
REBELS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feliuai, Matt Proctor, Filipo Daugunu, Andrew Kellaway
RESERVES: Ethan Dobbins, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Jack Maunder, Jake Strachan, Lachie Anderson
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, PJ Sheck, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele'a, Cole Forbes
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cam Suafoa, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Bryce Heem
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, James Palmer
https://twitter.com/SuperRugby/status/1785564819476595076
MOANA PASIFIKA v HIGHLANDERS, Saturday 12.05pm AEST
Moana Pasifika will make history on Saturday, playing their first game in Tonga against the Highlanders. A win here would be huge for the home side, and send a passionate fan base home elated.
The Highlanders are precariously placed on the bubble in eighth and are at serious risk of dropping out of contention for a quarter-finals berth.
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu. Viliami Fine, William Havili
RESERVES: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Solomone Funaki, Ereatara Enari, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Henry Bell, Saula Ma'u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Connor Garden-Bachop, Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogodo
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
https://twitter.com/SuperRugby/status/1784862687018492248
CRUSADERS v QUEENSLAND REDS, Saturday 2.35pm AEST
There's good news for the besieged Crusaders with confirmation Leigh Halfpenny will make his first appearance with the team this season. The Welshman who has more than 100 caps for his country will start at fullback.
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Brodie McAlister, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Johnny McNicholl, Leigh Halfpenny
RESERVES: George Bell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Chay Fihaki
REDS (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Liam Wright (c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell
RESERVES: Josh Nasser, Sef Fa'agase, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, John Bryant, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Philips, Suliasi Vunivalu
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey
https://twitter.com/SuperRugby/status/1784673945767342253
CHIEFS v WESTERN FORCE, Saturday 5.05pm AEST
Captain Jeremy Williams and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa will return to the Force's starting XV who will be desperate for victory against the fourth place Chiefs in Hamilton.
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Kalyum Boshier (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo
RESERVES: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Kauvaka Kalvelata, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane
FORCE (1-15): Josh Bartlett, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Tom Franklin, Jeremy Williams (c), Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale
RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu'u, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Izack Rodda, Michael Wells, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Henry O'Donnell
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
ACT BRUMBIES v FIJIAN DRUA, Saturday 7.35pm AEST
The Brumbies are flying high after a massive win against the comp-leading Hurricanes in round 10. Injury has forced coach Stephen Larkham to make major changes to the home side who are eyeing a top two-spot when they host the Drua in Canberra.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Connal McInerney, Allan Alaalatoa (C), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Harrison Goddard, Noah Lolesio, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
RESERVES: Billy Pollard, Harry Vella, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Michael Naitokani, Iosefo Masi, Junior Ratvua, Selestino Ravutaumada
RESERVES: Mesu Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Ilaisa Droasese
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Jordan Kaminsky, George Myers
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