Reds make two changes for old foes Waratahs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s clash against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.
After overcoming a broken leg in the pre-season, former Blues playmaker Matt McGahan will make his Queensland debut at fullback.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto returns to the starting side at blindside flank, seeing Angus Scott-Young shift to No.8.
There are a further two changes to the reserves, as Scott Higginbotham takes his place on the bench, while Seb Wileman could potentially make his Super Rugby debut after being recalled to the Reds’ 23.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “Hamish Stewart is out this week with injury. It sees Matt McGahan get his first start for Queensland. He’s been working hard at training and deserves this opportunity.
“Angus Scott-Young moves to No.8 and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will start in the No.6. Scott Higginbotham will come on as a finisher this week. Apart from JP Smith, it again sees seven of the eight starting forward pack all come from the Queensland Under-20s together,” said Thorn.
Reds: 15 Matt McGahan, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Samu Kerevi (captain), 11 Sefa Naivalu, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Angus Scott-Young, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 JP Smith.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Caleb Timu, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Duncan Paia’aua, 23 Seb Wileman
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Damon Murphy (Australia)
TMO: James Leckie (Australia)
