Confirmed: Reds star back to terrorise Bulls
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made six changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Super Rugby clash against the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium.
James O’Connor will resume his role at flyhalf for the Round Seven clash after recovering from a minor ankle injury.
Chris Feauai-Sautia shifts to outside centre to cover the loss of Hunter Paisami who has been ruled out with a knee injury.
Bryce Hegarty has been brought into the starting side and will fill the void on the right wing left by Feauai-Sautia’s positional switch.
Following standout performances in Queensland’s first three games of the season, Norths prop Dane Zander has earned his maiden Super Rugby start.
For the first time in their Super Rugby careers, Angus Blyth and Harry Hockings will start alongside each other in the second row.
Blyth’s promotion into the XV sees Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shift back to No.6 for the third time this year.
There are three changes to the reserves with Harry Hoopert recalled into Queensland’s matchday 23, while Angus Scott-Young and Isaac Lucas are set to come on as finishers this weekend at Suncorp Stadium.
Meanwhile, Queensland pathway product Jack Straker has been brought in as an injury cover replacement with fellow front-rowers Feao Fotuaika (foot) and Dave Feao (scapula) both sidelined.
Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Bryce Hegarty, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Henry Speight, 10 James O’Connor 9 Scott Malolua, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Dane Zander.
Replacements: 16 Ed Craig, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Angus Scott-Young, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Isaac Lucas, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Date: Saturday, March 14
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 18.15 (10.15 SA time; 08.15 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
The Vodacom Bulls enjoyed a fruitful training session at Coogee Seahorses rugby club and spent some time interacting with the club’s junior players. #BullsFamily pic.twitter.com/6zm5aXfIQo
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) March 11, 2020
