Reds call on first choice front row
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The Reds have recalled James Slipper and Saia Fainga’a to the starting line-up for their clash with the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
Loosehead prop Slipper and hooker Fainga’a both reclaim their starting berths, from Ben Daley and James Hanson respectively, after filling replacement roles on the bench against the Cheetahs last week.
In the only other change, Lachie Turner returns to the team at left wing, after missing last weekend’s clash due to a knee injury. He replaces Dom Shipperley who drops to the bench.
Reds head coach Richard Graham said the changes were a sign of the depth within the Reds’ squad, and the fact that he could rotate in key positions is a positive.
"Last weekend’s match against the Cheetahs was a test of the depth in our squad.
"We made some changes to the match-day 23 last week and secured a bonus-point win at home in front of our supporters.
"It is a good sign moving forward. Depth is key to achieving success and we’re confident any member of our squad can do the job.
"The Sharks will be a tough opponent but it’s certainly a challenge the group are looking forward to confronting.
"They’re very physical and direct, not unlike the Brumbies under Jake White’s direction," Graham said.
The Reds and Sharks have met 19 times in Super Rugby, with the men from Brisbane winning 11 of the encounters.
The two teams have met nine times in Durban, with the Sharks leading the ledger 5-4.
The Reds’ last win over the Sharks in Durban was in 2004.
Reds: 15 Aidan Toua, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Lachie Turner, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Eddie Quirk, 5 James Horwill (captain), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Jono Owen, 19 Ed O’Donoghue, 20 Beau Robinson, 21 Nick Frisby, 22 Ben Tapuai, 23 Dom Shipperley.
Date: Saturday, March 15
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT; 01.05, Sunday March 16 AEST)
Referee: Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco van Heerden (South Africa), Stefan Breytenbach (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
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