Untapped Potential: Strongman Reds Prop Set to Make Super Rugby Pacific Debut

Strongman prop Massimo De Lutiis is set to make his eagerly awaited Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Queensland Reds this Friday.

De Lutiis has been selected to start at tighthead prop in the round two face-off against Moana Pasifika at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

The talented 21-year-old trained alongside the Wallabies in January, being the only uncapped player to earn an invitation to Joe Schmidt’s three-day training camp.

His gym prowess is already legendary at Ballymore, having benched 202.5kg last year, surpassing the Reds’ previous record set by Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou at 200kg four years prior.

“He’s a fantastic player with immense potential, and he’s channeling that raw gym strength into skill and power on the field,” Reds teammate Jeffery Toomaga-Allen remarked to Wide World of Sports.

“Massimo has a great mindset and a bright future ahead at both the club and in Australian rugby. I’m focusing on helping him grow both on and off the field. We’re striving to develop great players as well as great individuals.”

With a weight of 128kg, De Lutiis has demonstrated his abilities in the Queensland jersey during previous international fixtures, according to Reds coach Les Kiss.

“Massimo is highly coachable and keen to improve his game,” said Kiss.

NEW PODCAST! Sean, Morgs and Burkey review Donaldson’s brilliance, Reimer’s beast mode and Amone’s heroics

De Lutiis has acknowledged the superior front-row coaching he receives as part of the Reds set-up.

“As I’ve mentioned before, I come to train every day alongside a knowledgeable front-row group and coaches who provide invaluable tips, tricks, and feedback to help me become a better prop,” De Lutiis explained.

“I’m really looking forward to Friday night. It’s been a long and rewarding journey due to the hard work that’s gone into it. I’m eager to keep this momentum going. Having played several times for the Reds already has certainly given me some valuable experience.”

READ ON FOR ALL THE ROUND TWO SUPER RUGBY TEAMS…

Chiefs vs Crusaders

Both the Chiefs and Crusaders are riding high following gritty victories in round one against the Blues and Hurricanes, respectively.

Damian McKenzie was in superb form for the Chiefs as they upset the reigning champions, and he will once again start at fullback in Hamilton.

FRI 21 February: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Damian McKenzie

Replacements: Brodie McAllister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling

CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Ioane Moananu, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan

Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitch Drummond, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Way

TMO: Brett Cronin

Queensland Reds vs Moana Pasifika

FRI 21 February: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Matt Faessler, George Blake, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lachie Anderson

PASIFIKA (1-15): James Lay, Millennium Sanerivi, Feteleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Samuel Slade, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Sione Havili Talitui, Ardie Savea (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili

Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Melani Matavao, Danny Toala, Losi Filipo

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter

TMO: Richard Kelly

Hurricanes vs Fijian Drua

Both the Hurricanes and Drua are recovering from narrow losses to the Crusaders and Brumbies, respectively, in the opening round.

Hurrianes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere (concussion) has been ruled out and replaced by Hugo Plummer in the starting lineup.

SAT 22 February: McLean Park, Napier (2.35pm kickoff AEDT)

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields (co-c), Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Brayden Iose, Cameron Roigard, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin

Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Peter Lakai, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai

DRUA (1-15): Emosi Tuqiri, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (co-c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Tanilea Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Junior Ratuva, Ilaisa Droasese

Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Meli Tuni, Leona Rotuisolia, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Iosefo Masi

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Maggie Cogger-Orr

TMO: Marcus Playle

Highlanders vs Blues

Unwanted All Blacks No.8 Hoskins Sotutu returns for the Blues as they look to bounce back from their heavy defeat to the Chiefs.

Sotutu missed the 25-14 loss to the Chiefs at Eden Park due to a minor leg injury but is ready to face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.

SAT 22 February: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Hugh Renton (co-c), Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele’a, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley

Replacements: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Lui Naeata

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Cameron Suafoa, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Beauden Barrett.

Replacements: James Mullan, Joshua Fusitua, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Tafua Funaki, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes.

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey

TMO: Brett Cronan

ACT Brumbies vs Western Force

The Brumbies have welcomed back Wallabies James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Charlie Cale, Len Ikitau, and Tom Wright to the starting lineup against the Force.

All were rested for last weekend’s historic 36-32 victory over the Drua in Suva, marking the first time an Australian side has won a Super Rugby match in Fiji.

SAT 22 February: GIO Stadium, Canberra (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton

FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Dylan Pietsch, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

Assistant Referees: Anthony Petrie, Stu Curran

TMO: Glenn Newman

Super Rugby Pacific player of the year standings

6: Fatafehi Fineanganofo [HUR], Kyle Preston [CRU], Luke Reimer [BRU], Ben Donaldson [FOR], Ardie Savea [MOA]

5: Caleb Tangitau [HIG], Vuate Karawalevu [DRU]

4: Timoci Tavatavanawai [HIG], Du’Plessis Kirifi [HUR], Sevu Reece [CRU], Naitoa Ah Kuoi [CHI], Jeremy Williams [FOR], Sione Havili Talitui [MOA]

3: Jake Gordon [WAR], Siosifa Amone [WAR], Simione Kuruvoli [DRU], Tom Hooper [BRU], Luke Jacobson [CHI], Kaylum Boshier [CHI], Dalton Papali’i [BLU], AJ Lam [BLU]

2: David Porecki [WAR], Charlie Gamble [WAR], Sean Withy [HIG], Elia Canakaivata [DRU], Ryan Lonergan [BRU], Damian McKenzie [CHI], Beauden Barrett [BLU], Anton Segner [BLU], Nic Dolly [FOR], Jackson Garden-Bachop [MOA]

1: Fabian Holland [HIG], Langi Gleeson [WAR], David Havili [CRU], Tane Edmed [WAR], Will Jordan [CRU], Mesake Vocevoce [DRU], Tevita Ikanivere [DRU], Andy Muirhead [BRU], Mark Telea [BLU], Marcel Renata [BLU]