Duncan Paia’aua starts at 10 for Reds
An ankle injury to regular flyhalf Jake McIntyre has presented an opportunity for Paia’aua to earn his first start in Super Rugby.
Paia’aua came on as an injury replacement for McIntyre at half time last week and looked comfortable in the key role.
Co-interim coach Matt O'Connor also made two additional changes to his side. Wallabies lock Kane Douglas will make his first start for the Reds, after a welcome return from injury via the bench against the Brumbies last week.
Douglas’ return means Australian Under-20 lock Lukhan Tui has been shifted to the reserves bench, after a promising run in the starting side last week.
While veteran Anthony Fainga'a has been named on the bench.
Commenting on the team co-interim head coach O’Connor said: "It’s disappointing to lose [McIntyre] for this match, but we’re confident in [Paia’aua's] ability. He performed well when he came off the bench to cover for [McIntyre] in the second half last week and we’re all looking forward to seeing what he can produce against the Chiefs on Friday.
"The Chiefs are top of the New Zealand conference for a reason. We are well aware of the threats they pose. They are a fantastic footy team.
"What’s important for us is that we put in a performance our fans can be proud of. We’ve had a reasonable run at home this year and we want to continue that in our last two matches at Suncorp Stadium for the season, " he added.
Reds: 15 Jack Tuttle, 14 Chris Kuridrani, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Henry Taefu, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Duncan Paia’aua, 9 Nick Frisby, 8 Curtis Browning, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Hendrik Tui, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 Andrew Ready, 1 James Slipper (captain).
Replacements: 16 Matt Mafi, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lukhan Tui, 20 Leroy Houston, 21 James Tuttle, 22 Anthony Fainga’a, 23 Campbell Magnay.
Date: Friday, July 8
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT; 21.45 NZ time)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
