Reds forced into Harris change

 

Harris will be replaced by Anthony Fainga’a at inside centre – who will start his first game of the season for the Reds. 

 

Ben Lucas comes into the match-day 23 as a replacement on the replacements bench.

 

Harris pulled up fine from the Reds’ 27-17 win over the Brumbies last weekend and trained well early in the week, but complained of ankle soreness after weights on Thursday.

 

He missed training to go for a scan on the ankle and has since been ruled out.

 

Graham said that he had wanted to reward the 23-man squad that secured a 27-17 win over the Brumbies in their opening match of the 2014 Super Rugby season.

 

"We needed to start the season strongly. 

 

"We have a number of away games to begin our campaign and, as a group, we understand the significance of beginning with a win," Graham said.

 

"That being said, I thought it was important for us to recognise their efforts and give the same 23 another opportunity against the Waratahs.

 

"[Waratahs coach] Michael Cheika wants to base a large part of their game play on a physical and abrasive style.

 

"However, we expect them to try to challenge us and throw the ball around as well," Graham added.

 

Reds: 15 Aidan Toua, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Anthony Fainga'a, 11 Dom Shipperley, 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 Lucas, 23 Chris Feauai-Sautia.

 

Date: Saturday, March 1

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Kick-off: 19.40 (08.40 GMT)

Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: James Leckie (Australia), Will Houston (Australia)

TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)