Engelbrecht returns for Reds clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have made several changes to their starting XV for the Super Rugby clash against the Reds on Saturday.
The Japanese franchise suffered a 17-43 defeat to the Chiefs following their impressive opening win over the Rebels.
However this week, the Sunwolves have an opportunity to redeem themselves against another struggling Australian outfit the Reds.
Sunwolves head coach Naoya Okubo has made a few changes to his starting lineup.
Johannes Engelbrecht returns to midfield and replaces last weekend’s captain Keisuke Moriya.
Jordan Jackson-Hope comes in at fullback and takes the spot of James Dargaville, who moves to the left-wing.
In the pack, Mitch Jacobson moves from blindside to openside flank.
While Corey Thomas forms the new-look lock partnership and Chris Eves completes the front row.
Sunwolves: 15 Jordan Jackson-Hope, 14 Siosaia Fifita, 13 Johannes Engelbrecht, 12 Ben Te’o, 11 James Dargaville, 10 Garth April, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Mitch Jacobson, 6 Kyo Yoshida, 5 Michael Stolberg, 4 Corey Thomas, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Jaba Bregvadze, 1 Chris Eves.
Replacements: 16 Effie Ma’afu, 17 Nic Mayhew, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Kotaro Yatabe, 20 Tevita Tupou, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Keisuke Moriya, 21 Shogo Nakano.
Date: Saturday, February 22
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 18.15 (17.15 Japan time; 08.15 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Jordan Way (Australia), Aaron Pook (Australia)
TMO: James Leckie (Australia)
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