Naivalu gets midfield role for Stormers clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s match against the Stormers at Suncorp Stadium.
Chris Feauai-Sautia (hamstring) and Angus Scott-Young (concussion) have both been ruled out, while Brandon Paenga-Amosa will start at hooker this week.
Harry Hockings comes off the bench at lock, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shifting to the back row to accommodate Scott-Young’s absence.
In the backline, Jack Hardy will make his Super Rugby starting debut for Queensland on the wing, as Sefa Naivalu moves to outside centre to cover for Feauai-Sautia.
There are also two changes to the reserves, with hooker Alex Mafi out of the starting side this week and lock Angus Blyth recalled into Queensland’s 23.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “Angus [Scott-Young] is out this week. He’s still recovering from a concussion he picked up in the Rebels game. We’ve got good depth in the second and back row with Harry Hockings, Angus Blyth and Fraser McReight there, plus also Lukhan’s versatility to play at both lock and flanker.
“We’re continuing to monitor Chris. He has a history of hamstring injuries and we don’t want to risk him this week. It sees Sefa shift to No.13. He played some of his NRC footy in that position at Melbourne.
“Jack Hardy gets his opportunity to start for the first time. He’s a talented footballer and has impressed us since joining us in the pre-season. He’s had two good games off the bench against the Tahs and the Rebels. He deserves his spot and we congratulate him on this achievement,” said Thorn.
Reds: 15 Hamish Stewart, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Sefa Naivalu, 12 Samu Kerevi (captain), 11 Jack Hardy, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Ruan Smith, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 JP Smith.
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Duncan Paia’aua, 23 Isaac Lucas.
Date: Friday, April 5
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.00 (11.00 SA time; 09.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs, Nic Berry
TMO: James Leckie
READ | In our latest RUPA Big Read, we chewed the fat with Queensland Reds stars JP + Ruan Smith about their Rugby journey, emigrating to Australia + and their new business BrosBraai! Check it out: https://t.co/Gu8agPmfmH pic.twitter.com/71JU3aB9YG
— RUPA (@RugbyPlayersAus) April 3, 2019
