Horwill back to challenge Cheetahs
Queensland Reds captain James Horwill and fullback Luke Morahan return to the starting line-up for Saturday's crucial Super Rugby contest against South Africa's Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Horwill, who has been cleared of a jaw injury which saw him miss Queensland's 32-17 victory over the Sharks at the weekend, will return to action in a major boost for the Reds ahead of their two game tour of South Africa – which also includes a heavyweight contest against the Stormers in Cape Town next week.
Horwill joins Morahan as one of two changes made to the starting XV, with Morahan chosen at fullback in place of Jono Lance, who has been ruled out of the match with a shoulder injury.
For Morahan, it will be his third starting opportunity of the season and first since his inclusion on the wing in the Reds 34-33 victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin in Round Seven.
Reds Director of Coaching Ewen McKenzie has opted for a forward-heavy (five-two) split on the bench for the third straight week – with prop Ben Daley also reclaiming his position after missing the past two matches with a hamstring complaint.
"There are always a huge number of challenges both from a logistical and preparation standpoint when you travel to South Africa so we've chosen to value continuity in our selections while also rewarding players for what was a strong performance against the Sharks," McKenzie said.
"You can see that in the team we have chosen this week while the additions of James and Luke provide another dimension to how we will play the game.
"James is undoubtedly a great leader of this side and I'm confident we'll also see the best out of Luke as he will no doubt be determined to make the most of the opportunity he is being given."
The Reds have a strong record against the Cheetahs having won their past three games and four of their six total Super Rugby encounters, including a 31-10 triumph in their last visit to Bloemfontein in 2010.
Continuing their recent success against the Cheetahs will be crucial for the Reds as they commence their tour just one competition point behind the current Super Rugby leading ACT Brumbies and on equal competition points with reigning Super Rugby champions, the Chiefs.
Saturday's match will also be an opportunity for the Reds to continue their strong record against international opposition in 2013, which currently sits at six wins and no losses and includes a clean sweep of New Zealand opponents.
"The Cheetahs have always been renowned for their willingness to attack but this year they are doing so with a lot more confidence.
"They've got plenty of x-factor and they are enjoying their best season yet in Super Rugby," McKenzie said.
"They're a really complicated team to prepare for but we'll go into the match with plenty of confidence and with some excitement about tackling the challenges of touring to South Africa.
"We understand this fortnight can set us up nicely for the remainder of the season so it's important we start it off on the right note with a strong showing against the Cheetahs."
Following their tour of South Africa, the Reds will return to Brisbane on Saturday, June 1, to take on the Melbourne Rebels.
Reds: 15 Luke Morahan, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Eddie Quirk, 5 James Horwill (captain), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 James Slipper, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Ed O'Donoghue, 19 Jarrad Butler, 20 Beau Robinson, 21 Ben Lucas, 22 Ben Tapuai.
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT; 01.10 Sunday, May 19 AEST)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Marius Jonker (South Africa), Ben Crouse (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
