Vaiuta Latu in line to replace Wallabies captain for Queensland Reds
Revelations Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will miss the start of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign, opening the door for future generations to stake their claim to higher honours, with a 116kg wrecking ball to fill the void of the superstar striker.
Powerful rookie Vaiuta Latu, who has extended his contract with the Queensland Reds until the end of 2027, has now forced himself to factor into round one as Wilson recovers from knee surgery.
Wilson, who has become Australia’s most consistent Test captain over the last two years and a key pick for the country’s No.8 hurler, is recovering from off-season surgery sustained during the Wallabies’ historic win over South Africa at Ellis Park in August.
Vaiuta Latu from Queensland Reds
He is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, ensuring he will miss the opening rounds of the Reds’ season, which includes a second-round bye.
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Joe Brial, John Bryant and Seru Uru appear the favorites to replace Wilson, while Latu’s form in last year’s Super Rugby Australia series, having moved on from former co-captain and winger Liam Wright, has propelled him to make his professional debut against the Waratahs on February 13.
The 20-year-old was called up late in the first game of the tournament against the Western Force in September, scoring a try and setting up another and running 74 meters from 13 carries in an eye-catching display.
A product of the Reds Academy, Latu entered the Super Rugby competition with the Brothers taking the second-tier Queensland Premier Rugby title, eventually earning selection against touring Japanese team Saitama Wild Knights.
He admits his disappointment at missing out on Australia’s under-20 squad was the catalyst for him suddenly becoming a starting contender again in Wilson’s absence.
