Reds get big names back for Jaguares
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Queensland Reds have made six changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Indigenous Round match against the Jaguares at Suncorp Stadium.
Prop JP Smith returns from concussion, while Brandon Paenga-Amosa will start at hooker in a new-look frontrow.
After assuming the captaincy in Samu Kerevi’s absence last week, Izack Rodda will be rested for this match in accordance with Rugby Australia’s workload management policy.
It sees a reshuffle to the forward pack, as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto shifts from the backrow to lock, Angus Scott-Young moves to blindside flank and in his 100th match for Queensland Scott Higginbotham will start at number eight.
There’s a further three changes to the backline with Kerevi resuming the captaincy at inside centre and Chris Feauai-Sautia (knee) and Filipo Daugunu (arm) both returning from injury.
Hegarty and Matt McGahan will also trade places in a positional switch, with McGahan at flyhalf and Hegarty starting in the 15 jersey.
Hooker Alex Mafi is on the bench this week in one-of-five changes to the reserves.
Bond University prop Gav Luka could potentially make his Super Rugby and Queensland debut after being named in the Reds’ 23 for the first time.
Lock Harry Hockings returns from suspension, Duncan Paia’aua drops to the bench, while Hamish Stewart is set to make his comeback from a shoulder injury.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “We’ve got six guys all making their return for Queensland this week. Samu Kerevi is back from his Wallabies rest. JP Smith has overcome concussion. Filipo Daugunu, Chris Feauai-Sautia and Hamish Stewart all return from injury and Harry Hockings is available after serving his suspension.
“After captaining Queensland against the Chiefs last week, Izack Rodda will be rested for this match as requested by Rugby Australia.
“Gav Luka gets an opportunity to possibly make his Queensland debut. He continues to work hard at training and helping the team prepare on game-day.
“A big well done to Scott Higginbotham. It’s an incredible achievement to play 100 games for the one state. He joins a great list of players to do so. Scott is a proud Queenslander. This will be a special moment for him and his family. As a group we congratulate Scott on this milestone,” said Thorn.
Reds: 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Samu Kerevi (captain), 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Matt McGahan , 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 JP Smith
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Gav Luka, 19 Harry Hockings, 20 Adam Korczyk, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Duncan Paia’aua, 23 Hamish Stewart
Date: Saturday, June 1
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT, 06.45 Argentina Time)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Egon Seconds (South Africa), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: James Leckie (Australia)
